The distribution of caries on different tooth surfaces at varying levels of caries--a compilation of data from 18 previous studies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of caries on different tooth surfaces, at varying levels of dental caries, in adolescent populations. Using data obtained from published reports, the relationship between reported mean surface-type caries scores were plotted against the total mean DFS and showed a good "closeness of fit." Mathematical expressions for the relationships were computed. A new "working rule" has been postulated from the data which states that: "As caries prevalence falls, the least susceptible sites (proximal and smooth surfaces) reduce by the greatest proportion, while the most susceptible sites (occlusal) reduce by the smallest proportion." This is true regardless of the presence of fluorides. This study questions the widely held view that fluorides have a special effect on proximal and smooth surface caries. The relationships between total DMFS/DFS and tooth surfaces affected could be useful to determine which preventive agent to use for a given caries prevalence level.