Demonstration of Dye-Uptake as a Potential Aid in Early Diagnosis of Incipient Caries

The increased porosity of enamel and the presence of free calcium ions at the sites of developing lesions allow a color change or fluorescence to develop at these sites after application of certain dyes and indicators. Such optical changes constitute a detectable signal which can be utilized to accurately diagnose caries at a stage well in advance of cavitation. Results are reported which demonstrate the potential usefulness of fluorescent dye-uptake as an aid in diagnosing incipient carious lesions.