Enamel carries (early tooth decay)
Enamel caries are the first visible stage of decay. They are commonly detected during a routine dental check-up or x-ray. They can be reversed or fixed.
Signs of enamel caries
Enamel caries begin as a white chalky spot or line on your child's teeth. This is an early sign of decay forming in the outer layer of the tooth. They usually develop in areas that are not cleaned thoroughly, where plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) starts to demineralise the tooth enamel.
Managing enamel caries
Early tooth decay or enamel caries can be managed and reversed with these simple steps. This requires a consistent effort from you, your child and your oral health therapist working together.
Brush teeth for 2 minutes twice a day
Brush teeth morning and night with a fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm fluoride). Fluoride helps to rebuild enamel and reverse early areas of decay. An adult should help children under 8 years old with their brushing.
Brush teeth for 2 minutes twice a day
Brush teeth morning and night with a fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm fluoride). Fluoride helps to rebuild enamel and reverse early areas of decay. An adult should help children under 8 years old with their brushing.
Do not rinse
Avoid rinsing the mouth after brushing. Spit out the excess toothpaste then leave the rest so it can remain on the teeth to keep working on repairing them.
Do not rinse
Avoid rinsing the mouth after brushing. Spit out the excess toothpaste then leave the rest so it can remain on the teeth to keep working on repairing them.
Drink water
Sugary drinks sped up tooth decay, causing it to progress from the enamel to the next layer of the tooth (the dentine). This may then require treatment.
Drink water
Sugary drinks sped up tooth decay, causing it to progress from the enamel to the next layer of the tooth (the dentine). This may then require treatment.
Avoid food with added sugar
Avoid these types of food and give teeth a rest between meals by limiting snacking.
Avoid food with added sugar
Avoid these types of food and give teeth a rest between meals by limiting snacking.
Regular fluoride applications
Your oral health therapist will apply a high concentration fluoride varnish every 6 months, or as recommended.
Regular fluoride applications
Your oral health therapist will apply a high concentration fluoride varnish every 6 months, or as recommended.
Treatment plans
If you are doing all of the above already, and your child is still developing decay, speak to us about tailoring a plan for your child. This may include:
- swishing the toothpaste slurry vigorously for 60 seconds after brushing
- attending reviews every 6 months for fluoride applications and to monitor the reversal of enamel caries.
Together, you can protect your child's smile and make sure their teeth remain strong and healthy.