When we open our mouth, we can see that the occlusal surface (the side of chewing food) of the back teeth is uneven, and the sunken part is called sulcus. If the development is not good, these grooves are very deep, food and bacteria are embedded in them, and caries (worm teeth) will occur easily, and this kind of caries is called sulcus caries in medicine. According to the oral epidemiological survey, more than 90% of the caries (worm teeth) of our teenagers occur in the sulcus area. What is the meaning of the gutter closure? The gutter closure is a polymer composite resin material coated in the gutter, when it flows into and penetrates the gutter, it cures and hardens, forming a protective barrier and covering the gutter. On the one hand, the original bacteria in the sulcus are cut off from the source of nutrition and die gradually after the sulcus is closed; on the other hand, the cariogenic bacteria outside cannot enter again, so as to achieve the purpose of preventing sulcus caries. Who are suitable to do the sulcus closure The method of sulcus closure to prevent caries (worm teeth) is mainly used for the newly erupted permanent molars of children and adolescents. Sixth-aged teeth are the teeth that bear the most important function of chewing, because of early eruption, if not pay attention to protection, it is easy to get caries (insect tooth), so it becomes the main target of the gutter closure. Usually, the sixth age teeth are fully erupted at the age of 8-9, which is the best age for closure. Teeth with shallow sockets, front teeth and the adjacent surface of back teeth (the surface between two teeth in contact with each other), and teeth with caries (worm teeth) do not need to do sulcus closure. V. How long can the sealant be maintained after sealing? The sealant can be retained for a long time in general. It is better to do a review once in 3-6 months after the closure, and when doing the oral routine examination every year, the closed teeth should be examined at the same time, in order to find out whether the sealant is lost in time, so as to make up for it in time. The main methods to prevent caries (insect tooth) and periodontal disease Besides the previously mentioned sulcus closure, the main methods to prevent caries (insect tooth) and periodontal disease also include: 1.Brushing. It is the most simple and effective method to remove plaque. It should be done once in the morning and once in the evening. The correct method of brushing is to place the toothbrush bristles at the junction of teeth and gums, with the toothbrush bristles at an angle of 45 degrees to the surface of teeth, and then brush vertically along the gap between teeth after a short horizontal chattering. 2.Use fluoride. Fluorine is an essential trace element that can enhance the structure of teeth and bones, and also has the function of inhibiting bacteria to achieve the purpose of caries prevention. The most commonly used methods are fluoride toothpaste, fluoride foam, fluoride coating, etc. 3.Eat more tooth-healthy food, eat less sugary food and reduce the number of sweet food. Diet beneficial to dental health basically includes: grains and cereals, beans; milk and its dairy products; fish, meat, eggs; vegetables and fruits. Diet harmful to teeth basically include: candy, sweet drinks and other sugary delicate foods. 4.Regular oral examination. Caries (worm teeth) and periodontal diseases do not have any pain and other discomfort in the early stage, and can only be checked by the oral surgeon with instruments. Early treatment is painless, with good long-term effect and low cost. Your doctor will also take preventive measures to maintain your oral health according to your specific situation.