Influence of Fissure Sealants on Dental Health of Elementary School Children in Weimar - A Longitudinal Observational Study under Real-life Conditions

The aim of the present observational study was to assess the effect of the number and timing of placing fissure sealants (FS) on caries prevalence in elementary school children under real-life conditions. Methods Oral health data from 7- to 10-year-old elementary school children (n = 505) attending 4 consecutive annual checkups between 2004 and 2009 was extracted from the public health service database. The number of intact FS and the number of teeth affected by caries was scored according to WHO standard (1997). Results 34.9 % pupils had at least one, 10 % 4 FS. Children without FS had a higher dental caries rate compared to peers with FS (0.2 DT/0.4 DMFT vs. 0.1 DT/0.2 DMFT). Pupils with 4 FS showed the lowest number of teeth with caries (0 DT/0 DMFT). Children with an early application of FS had a lower D-component than children with a later or missing application (0.1 DT vs. 0.2 DT). Pupils with less than 4 FS had a higher risk of developing caries in their permanent dentition compared to peers with 4 FS (OR 4.36). Conclusion FS is an effective caries preventive measure under real-life conditions. Early application and sealing of all 4 molars can optimize the prevention of caries in the permanent dentition.