iCaries is a device that permits the user, such as a school nurse, parent, public health worker, to "light up" enamel in early stages of decay using their cell phone and a light attachment. The user would paint a stain of plant derivative, already approved by the FDA, to the teeth of an infant or child. This stain is specific to demineralized enamel, revealed by the light attachment and cell phone, sending a photo to a dentist. Dental decay is a global epidemic, 100% preventable, and a contagious disease caused by the transmission of bacteria, streptococcus mutans, from mother to child through saliva sharing activities such as kissing. Dental caries (decay) is the number one chronic disease of childhood, five times more prevalent than asthma leading to pain and infection, causing 52 million annual school hours to be lost. Poor children die from tooth decay when it progresses to an infection, such as a boy in Prince Georges County, Maryland, Deamonte Driver; 2007.
This is a wonderful idea which could also be used by children's health care providers to help guide the urgency of a pediatric dental referral, "routine referral" vs "ASAP referral" if demineralization is seen.
When will this be on the market?