In children, which surface category is responsible for about 88% of caries?

In children, which surface category is responsible for about 88% of caries?

• A. Pits and fissures
• B. Smooth surfaces
• C. Root surfaces
• D. Interproximal areas

Answer: (A)

Pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces are where caries is most likely to start in children. These areas form deep, narrow crevices that trap food particles and plaque, and they’re tough to clean with regular brushing. The anatomy of newly erupted molars and premolars, with their intricate occlusal grooves, makes these sites particularly vulnerable, so a large majority of decay in kids occurs there—about 88% in this context. Smooth surfaces tend to be less caries-prone in children because they are easier to clean and less prone to plaque retention. Root surfaces are less relevant in the primary dentition, and interproximal decay, while important, is not the dominant pattern in children compared with pits and fissures.

Pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces are where caries is most likely to start in children. These areas form deep, narrow crevices that trap food particles and plaque, and they’re tough to clean with regular brushing. The anatomy of newly erupted molars and premolars, with their intricate occlusal grooves, makes these sites particularly vulnerable, so a large majority of decay in kids occurs there—about 88% in this context.

Smooth surfaces tend to be less caries-prone in children because they are easier to clean and less prone to plaque retention. Root surfaces are less relevant in the primary dentition, and interproximal decay, while important, is not the dominant pattern in children compared with pits and fissures.