Which are the 2 epidemiological measures of prevalence of caries?

Which are the 2 epidemiological measures of prevalence of caries?

• A. DMH & DMS
• B. DFS & DMF
• C. DMFT & DMS
• D. DMFT & DMFS

Answer: (D)

Caries prevalence in a population is best captured by indices that summarize how much caries experience individuals have, across teeth and surfaces. The standard measures are DMFT and DMFS. DMFT counts the average number of teeth that are decayed, missing due to caries, or filled in a person, while DMFS does the same at the level of tooth surfaces. Together they provide a robust picture of the caries burden in a group, since they reflect both current disease and past treatment or loss and can be compared across populations and over time. Other options use incomplete components or nonstandard wording, making them less consistent for epidemiological comparison.

Caries prevalence in a population is best captured by indices that summarize how much caries experience individuals have, across teeth and surfaces. The standard measures are DMFT and DMFS. DMFT counts the average number of teeth that are decayed, missing due to caries, or filled in a person, while DMFS does the same at the level of tooth surfaces. Together they provide a robust picture of the caries burden in a group, since they reflect both current disease and past treatment or loss and can be compared across populations and over time. Other options use incomplete components or nonstandard wording, making them less consistent for epidemiological comparison.