The present invention relates to a dental composition comprising an aqueous solution of 1) at least one acidic compound, 2) at least one salt of said acidic compound, 3) at least one indicator that generates a detectable signal when said solution reaches a particular pH value that is less than 5.5 wherein 1) and 2) are selected such that the aqueous solution has a pH of less than that particular pH value where the indicator generates the signal. It further relates to a method for detection of carious tissue on the surface of a tooth, comprising the steps of 1) providing the above mentioned dental composition, 2) applying said composition to the surface of said tooth, and 3) measuring the amount of time required for the composition to change color.It further relates to the use of said dental composition to manufacture a remedy for detection of carious tissue.