Scale and Polish and Sealants
Scale and polish and fissure sealants: active protection for your child's teeth
Scaling and the application of fissure sealants are two of the most effective preventive procedures in paediatric dentistry.
Scaling removes tartar and bacterial plaque accumulated on the tooth surfaces, whilst fissure sealants create a protective barrier in the grooves of the molars, where decay most commonly develops.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, these procedures are carried out comfortably and adapted to the child's age, as part of an ongoing prevention programme aimed at keeping teeth healthy throughout childhood.
If you wish to protect your child's teeth with a preventive approach, book an assessment appointment.
Technology Supporting Scaling and Sealants
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, preventive procedures in children are complemented by digital imaging examinations that allow assessment of the presence of subgingival tartar, detection of hidden cavities, and evaluation of the indication for fissure sealants.
Caries Detection with Bitewing Radiographs
Bitewing radiographs are essential for detecting caries between the teeth, particularly in the deciduous molars and first permanent molars. This examination allows identification of carious lesions at an early stage and assessment of the need for fissure sealants on the occlusal surfaces.
Diagnosis with Periapical Radiograph
The digital periapical radiograph is used when more detailed assessment of a specific tooth, its root condition, or the presence of subgingival calculus is required. In children, it is indicated for specific situations requiring a more detailed evaluation.
Panoramic View with Orthopantomogram
The digital panoramic X-ray provides an overall view of the child's entire dental arch and allows assessment of the eruption of permanent molars — the teeth that benefit most from fissure sealant application — as well as identification of possible developmental changes.
“Prevention is always more effective than treatment. Regular scaling and the application of fissure sealants at the right time allow us to protect children's teeth in a simple, comfortable way, with results backed by scientific evidence.”
What is scale and polish and what are fissure sealants used for in children?
Scaling is the professional removal procedure for tartar (dental calculus) and bacterial plaque that accumulate on tooth surfaces and along the gum line.
In children, scaling is carried out gently and adapted to the child's age, as part of routine six-monthly appointments.
Fissure sealants are a protective resin applied to the grooves and fissures of the occlusal surfaces of the molars — the areas most prone to the development of tooth decay.
Scientific evidence demonstrates that the application of sealants reduces the incidence of occlusal decay in molars by approximately 76% in the two to three years following application, according to the guidelines of the ADA (American Dental Association) and the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).
Fissure sealants are recommended for the first permanent molars, which erupt around the age of 6, and for the second permanent molars, which erupt around the age of 12.
In children at high risk of decay, sealants may also be applied to the primary molars.
These procedures are quick, painless, and require no anaesthesia, making them particularly well accepted by children.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, scaling and sealants form part of an integrated preventive approach.
What our patients say
My son had his scale and polish and sealant application in the same appointment. It was quick, he felt no pain, and he left smiling. An excellent preventive measure.
Catarina Vitória
The dentist recommended sealants on my daughter's molars as soon as they came through. Three years on and her teeth are still fully protected, with no cavities at all.
Nuno Alves
I was worried about taking my son for a teeth cleaning, but the team was fantastic. He was so comfortable that he now asks to go to the dentist.
Sandra Paz
4 Steps to Your Child's Scaling and Sealants
Preventive procedures at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo follow a protocol adapted to the child's age, from assessment to tooth protection with fissure sealants.
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Assessment and Diagnosis
The dentist carries out a clinical examination of the child's teeth and gums and requests imaging when indicated, such as bitewing radiographs, to detect hidden caries and assess the presence of calculus. An individual caries risk assessment is carried out to define the preventive plan.
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Scaling adapted for children
The removal of tartar and bacterial plaque is carried out using instruments adapted to the child's oral cavity, in a gentle and comfortable manner. The procedure is quick and does not require anaesthesia. The child receives guidance on brushing and oral hygiene habits.
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Application of fissure sealants
Fissure sealants are applied to the occlusal surfaces of molars that have deep grooves susceptible to decay. The procedure involves cleaning the surface, applying the sealing resin and curing it with light. It is painless and takes a few minutes per tooth.
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Follow-up and check
At six-monthly routine appointments, the dentist checks the integrity of the sealants and the health of the teeth and gums. If necessary, the sealants are reapplied. The preventive plan is adjusted in line with the child's growth and needs.
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Assessment and Diagnosis
The dentist carries out a clinical examination of the child's teeth and gums and requests imaging when indicated, such as bitewing radiographs, to detect hidden caries and assess the presence of calculus. An individual caries risk assessment is carried out to define the preventive plan.
0
Scaling adapted for children
The removal of tartar and bacterial plaque is carried out using instruments adapted to the child's oral cavity, in a gentle and comfortable manner. The procedure is quick and does not require anaesthesia. The child receives guidance on brushing and oral hygiene habits.
0
Application of fissure sealants
Fissure sealants are applied to the occlusal surfaces of molars that have deep grooves susceptible to decay. The procedure involves cleaning the surface, applying the sealing resin and curing it with light. It is painless and takes a few minutes per tooth.
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Follow-up and check
At six-monthly routine appointments, the dentist checks the integrity of the sealants and the health of the teeth and gums. If necessary, the sealants are reapplied. The preventive plan is adjusted in line with the child's growth and needs.
Everything you need to know about scale and polish and fissure sealants
Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease in childhood and affects both primary teeth and permanent teeth.
Prevention is the most effective strategy to avoid its occurrence, and regular scaling and fissure sealants are two of the preventive measures with the greatest scientific evidence.
Tartar (dental calculus) is the result of the mineralisation of bacterial plaque and cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Its accumulation along the gum line can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) and promote the development of cavities.
Professional scaling removes these deposits and helps to keep the teeth and gums healthy.
The grooves and fissures of the molars are the most vulnerable areas to decay, because their anatomy makes cleaning with a toothbrush difficult.
Fissure sealants fill these grooves with a protective resin that prevents the accumulation of bacteria and food debris.
The ADA and the AAPD recommend their application on the first permanent molars as soon as they erupt, and on the second permanent molars around the age of 12.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, prevention is the cornerstone of paediatric dental care. If you wish to protect your child's teeth, book an assessment appointment to define the most appropriate preventive plan.
Main Problems Prevented with Scaling and Sealants
Regular scaling and the application of fissure sealants allow the most common oral problems in childhood to be prevented and controlled.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each child receives an individualised prevention plan.
Occlusal Caries in Molars
The grooves and fissures on the biting surfaces of molars are the areas where decay most commonly develops in children.
The anatomy of these grooves makes effective cleaning with a toothbrush difficult, even with good brushing technique.
The application of fissure sealants fills these grooves and creates a protective barrier against bacterial accumulation.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, sealants are applied at the ideal moments — upon the eruption of the first and second permanent molars — to protect the teeth during the years of greatest risk.
Calculus Accumulation and Gingivitis
Bacterial plaque that is not removed by brushing can mineralise and turn into tartar, which irritates the gums and can cause gingivitis (gum inflammation).
In children, gingivitis presents as red, swollen gums that bleed easily.
Regular scaling removes these deposits and prevents the progression of inflammation.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, scaling forms part of routine appointments and is carried out in a comfortable manner adapted to the child.
Interproximal Caries in Primary Teeth
Interproximal caries (cavities between teeth) are common in primary molars and are often invisible to the naked eye.
A combination of scaling, bitewing X-ray assessment, and reinforcement of oral hygiene habits allows these lesions to be detected and prevented early.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the preventive plan includes radiographic examination where indicated, along with guidance for parents on flossing techniques for children.
Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, scaling and the application of fissure sealants in children are carried out in a welcoming environment, using age-appropriate techniques and digital diagnostic examinations.
Book your appointment
If you wish to protect your child's teeth with a professional preventive approach, book an appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and receive a prevention plan adapted to your child's age and individual risk.
Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo
R. Vasco da Gama 6,
2130-197 Benavente, Portugal
Telephone: +351 263 516 773
Mobile: +351 919 366 534
geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt
Frequently Asked Questions
About Scaling and Sealants
What is scaling in children?
A scale and polish is the professional removal of tartar and bacterial plaque that accumulate on the teeth. In children, the procedure is carried out with adapted instruments, in a gentle and comfortable manner, without the need for anaesthesia.
Is a scale and polish painful?
No. Scaling in children is a painless procedure. The cleaning is carried out with gentle instruments adapted to the child's oral cavity, making the experience comfortable.
What are fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are a protective resin applied to the grooves and fissures of molars to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and protect against decay. The procedure is quick, painless, and does not require anaesthesia.
At what age are sealants applied?
Fissure sealants are recommended on the first permanent molars, which erupt at around age 6, and on the second permanent molars, at around age 12. In children with a high risk of tooth decay, they may also be applied to the primary molars.
How long do sealants last?
Fissure sealants can remain effective for several years. Their integrity is checked at routine six-monthly appointments and, if necessary, they are reapplied to maintain protection.
Can the child eat normally after treatment?
Yes. Both the scale and polish and the application of fissure sealants allow the child to resume their normal diet immediately, without any restriction.
How often should a child have a scale and polish?
The frequency is determined by the dentist, but scale and polish is usually carried out at routine six-monthly appointments. In children with greater plaque build-up or caries risk, it may be recommended more frequently.
Do sealants replace brushing?
No. Sealants protect the occlusal surfaces of the molars, but daily brushing and flossing remain essential to keep all teeth clean and healthy.
Does the Dr. Paulo Cardozo Clinic carry out scaling and sealants for children?
Yes. Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, carries out scaling and the application of fissure sealants for children as part of a comprehensive prevention programme. Book your appointment.
Clinical Rigour and International Standards
The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its paediatric dentistry practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), the World Health Organization — Oral Health, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD).
The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.