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Pits and Fissures in Teeth
Pits and fissures in teeth may be too deep and narrow to allow access for even one toothbrush bristle, as illustrated by this cross section of a tooth.
Deep pits and fissures in teeth are of concern because food, bacterial plaque, and acids get into them, but toothbrush bristles may not. This frequently results in tooth decay (caries), even in a patient who takes good care of their teeth. An estimated 80% of tooth cavities originate in a deep pit or fissure.
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Author: Thomas J. Greany, D.D.S. / Editor: Ken Lambrecht
This page was last updated on March 2, 2018.
