What is the documented order of caries progression in primary dentition?

What is the documented order of caries progression in primary dentition?

• A. Upper incisors (maxillary anterior teeth); First molars (mandibular primary molars); Second molars (maxillary primary molars)
• B. Lower incisors; Canines; First molars
• C. First molars; Upper incisors; Second molars
• D. Canines; Molars; Incisors

Answer: (A)

In primary dentition, the pattern of caries tends to follow the eruption and exposure of teeth, with those most exposed to fermentable carbohydrates and Plaque first at higher risk. The teeth most commonly affected early are the upper incisors, likely due to frequent contact with sugary liquids during bottle feeding and the fact that they erupt with relatively immature enamel, making them more susceptible to early demineralization. After lesions appear on the maxillary anterior teeth, the next most common targets are the first primary molars that erupt early in the lower arch; they have prominent pits and fissures that trap plaque and are easily missed during brushing, so caries progression occurs there next. Finally, the second primary molars, which erupt later and have more established eruption to come into the chewing surface of the bite, tend to be affected last in this documented sequence. This progression helps clinicians focus preventive measures on teeth at the highest risk first, based on when they erupt and how plaque accumulates there.

In primary dentition, the pattern of caries tends to follow the eruption and exposure of teeth, with those most exposed to fermentable carbohydrates and Plaque first at higher risk. The teeth most commonly affected early are the upper incisors, likely due to frequent contact with sugary liquids during bottle feeding and the fact that they erupt with relatively immature enamel, making them more susceptible to early demineralization. After lesions appear on the maxillary anterior teeth, the next most common targets are the first primary molars that erupt early in the lower arch; they have prominent pits and fissures that trap plaque and are easily missed during brushing, so caries progression occurs there next. Finally, the second primary molars, which erupt later and have more established eruption to come into the chewing surface of the bite, tend to be affected last in this documented sequence. This progression helps clinicians focus preventive measures on teeth at the highest risk first, based on when they erupt and how plaque accumulates there.