Early enamel caries

What is early enamel caries?

Early enamel caries is tooth decay (caries) still within the outer layer of your tooth (the enamel). When decay is in this stage, you don’t need to have a filling done. Early enamel caries can be reversed with good oral hygiene.

Each tooth has two main parts: an outer layer called enamel and an inner layer called dentine. The enamel's job is to be tough, standing strong against all the wear and tear. The dentine, on the other hand, is softer and more sensitive.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that build up on the tooth's surface and slowly start breaking the tooth down bit by bit (you can learn more about tooth decay here).

Your tooth's outer enamel is tough, and it takes about 1-2 years for decay to penetrate through this layer. During this period, you won’t feel any pain or sensitivity from the tooth.

Once the decay reaches the dentine of your tooth, we need to take action (by doing a filling). Dentine is soft; once decay reaches this layer, it spreads extremely quickly. The decay will create a big cavity underneath the enamel, and once the cavity is large enough, the enamel will be left without support and crumble (this is when you notice a hole in your tooth.

How to manage early enamel caries

Remember that you can turn things around when the decay is still in the enamel. If you can keep plaque, bacteria and sugar away from your tooth, the decay will stop worsening and turn into what we call ‘arrested caries’.

• Limit how much sugar you have and how long sugar is in your mouth for

• Brush your teeth properly twice a day with an electric toothbrush

• Floss in between your teeth daily if you can

• Use fluoride toothpaste (the fluoride remineralises the enamel that has been decayed)

Monitoring early enamel caries

When your dentist sees a tooth with decay, but it's only in the enamel, they'll often watch it closely. They usually do this by taking note of it during your regular check-ups and using X-rays to monitor any changes. Those yearly X-rays aren't just for fun; they provide a sneak peek into the hidden areas of your mouth and allow your dentist to catch any decay in action!

To wrap it up, early enamel caries is pretty common, but with some care and attention, it's manageable. Regular dental visits and a solid oral hygiene routine are the keys to stopping decay before it becomes a bigger issue. So keep brushing, flossing, and smiling!