Detecting caries risk early

Whether a child is prone to caries can be assessed before the first tooth is harmed. A saliva test shows how many caries bacteria are present in the mouth and how actively they work.

What the test achieves

It provides not a diagnosis but an estimate of risk. Where the risk is high, the practice will check more closely, apply fluoride earlier and discuss diet in more detail – where it is low, the usual rhythm suffices.

It is used in small children up to school age. The earlier the tendency is known, the less drilling is needed later.