______ caries usually occurs in the cervical area of teeth. Because of this location, it is also known as cervical caries.

______ caries usually occurs in the cervical area of teeth. Because of this location, it is also known as cervical caries.

• A. Facial caries
• B. Facial and lingual caries
• C. Proximal caries
• D. Occlusal caries

Answer: (B)

Cervical caries form at the cervical area near the cementoenamel junction, and they can appear on either the facial or the lingual surface. Because this region is close to the gum line and plaque tends to accumulate there, lesions are not limited to one surface—hence they are described as involving both the facial and lingual surfaces. That’s why the best choice is the one that indicates involvement of both surfaces. The other options describe lesions limited to a single surface (facial only), or to areas not at the cervical margin (proximal between teeth, occlusal chewing surfaces).

Cervical caries form at the cervical area near the cementoenamel junction, and they can appear on either the facial or the lingual surface. Because this region is close to the gum line and plaque tends to accumulate there, lesions are not limited to one surface—hence they are described as involving both the facial and lingual surfaces. That’s why the best choice is the one that indicates involvement of both surfaces. The other options describe lesions limited to a single surface (facial only), or to areas not at the cervical margin (proximal between teeth, occlusal chewing surfaces).