1.2 Rationale and Evidence for Programs Tooth-Surface Risk FactorsAbout 90 percent of carious lesions are found in the pits and fissures of permanent posterior teeth, with molars being the most susceptible compared to other tooth types.6 Tooth-Type Risk FactorsAmong permanent teeth with pits and fissures, the molars are the most susceptible to caries attack. Premolars are next, but there is a large gap in the dental caries rates of molars vs. premolars.6 Proportional Contribution of Pit-and-Fissure Dental Caries from Selected Tooth Types to the Pit-and-Fissure DMFS for Children 6-18 Years of Age, United States, 1988-1994
Age (years) Data analyzed by Mark Macek, DDS, DrPH, Associate Professor, University of Maryland Dental School. Original data source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994. |
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