[A method for the early diagnosis of caries].

A method is offered to detect early enamel demineralization prior to formation of caries area which can be stained with methylene blue. The technique is based upon the detection, under the caries-eliciting superficial layer as determined after J. L. Hardwick and E. B. Manly (1952), the demineralized enamel requiring hygienic control or remineralization therapy.