Use of Fissure Sealants on Primary Molars

Sealants have been shown to be the most effective caries preventive measure in permanent dentition. Sealants of the primary molars soon after they erupt would reduce the total caries experience of the primary teeth of the children and could possibly also postpone the caries process in the permanent dentition. The aim of this study is to measure the caries preventive effect of sealants in primary molars. The specific objectives are: 1) to compare the number of new caries experience teeth and surfaces among the intervention group of 4-years old pre-school children during the 1 year follow-up period, 2) to compare the preventive effect of sealants with fluoride varnish on the caries experience on the occlusal surfaces of the primary molars and on the total caries experience of all the primary and permanent teeth, 3) to test the feasibility of the sealant program in one kindergarten in Kuwait city.

Brand name: Clinpro™ Sealant, Produced by: 3M ESPE, www.3MESPE.com/PrventiveCare, Brand name: DuraShield® 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish, Produced by: Sultan Dental Products, www.sultandental.com

Preventing dental caries in primary molars by applying fissure sealants and fluoride varnish, and comparing caries preventive effect of sealants with fluoride varnish.

Comparing preventive effect of fissure sealants and fluoride varnish on occlusal surfaces of primary molars

Outcome will be measured by a clinical examination (dental caries status/ICDAS) one year after the fissure sealants and fluoride varnish have been applied. When a child has intact occlusal surfaces on primary molars in the baseline examination, s/he will get a fissure sealant on the other side of the mouth and fluoride varnish on the other side.

Number of healthy occlusal tooth surfaces after application of fissure sealants versus fluoride varnish

Outcome will be measured by a clinical examination (dental caries status/ICDAS)one year after the fissure sealants and fluoride varnish have been applied. The effectiveness of these two preventive treatment will be compared, i.e. how many occlusal surfaces of primary molars stayed caries free with the sealant application vs. fluoride varnish application.

Inclusion Criteria: positive written informed consent received from parents Exclusion Criteria: if caries lesions in primary molars are so extensive that restorative treatment is needed