Early childhood feeding practices and dental caries in preschool children: a multi-centre birth cohort study

BMC Public Health

Table 3 Classification and codes used for dental caries examinations³⁶

	Non-cavitated (d₁) Lesions	Cavitated (d_2-3) Lesions
*Smooth surfaces*
Appearance/Colour	Chalky white	Chalky white with darker center
Surface	Intact	Cavitated - definite loss of tooth structure
Tactile	Normal (tactile exam usually not necessary)	Soft
Location	Usually adjacent to soft tissue margin	Usually adjacent to soft tissue margin
*Pits and Fissures*
Appearance/Colour	May be lightly stained, or have chalky white	Oftens stained light to dark brown and
	area adjacent to pit or fissure	often with chalky white area adjacent
Surface	Intact	Cavitated - definite loss of tooth structure
Tactile	Normal	Soft
Undermining	Not present	Often evident

ISSN: 1471-2458