White enamel lesions in children: considering caries, chronological and congenital causes and their consequent care

White enamel lesions are a common presentation to the general dentist and aesthetic concerns are the most frequent presenting problem. Aetiology may be multifactorial and management of such lesions is heavily dependent on the cause. In the paediatric patient, differentiating white lesions caused by caries, fluorosis and genetic and developmental disorders is key to offering optimal long-term treatment outcomes. Early intervention allows for carefully planned management of less common disorders. Many of these disorders exist along a spectrum, and white lesions offer a useful clue to prompt intervention and referral to the relevant specialists. This article overviews common white lesions of the teeth and outlines the hierarchy of management options available.