Measuring Dental Caries

DMF INDEX Can be applied for whole teeth (DMFT), or to surfaces (DMFS) D for decayed teeth M for teeth missing due to caries F for teeth that had been previously filled In large surveys DMF can be used half mouth, assuming that the caries attack is bilateral

DMF INDEX Irreversible index Applied only to permanent teeth DMF score for any individual can range from 0 - 32 DMF score for a group is the mean score for the individuals

DMF INDEX Limitations of the DMF Index DMF values are not related to the number of teeth at risk, it does not directly give an indication of the intensity of the attack 7yr, DMF=3, 9 permanent teeth 30yr, DMF=8, 32 permanent teeth

It is invalid when teeth have been lost for reasons other than caries It gives equal weight to missing, untreated decayed, and well restored teeth It is invalid when teeth have been lost for reasons other than caries It can over-estimate caries experience in teeth with “preventive or cosmetic restorations” It can not account for sealed teeth

def INDEX Is the equivalent of DMF for the primary dentition d for decayed teeth e for teeth indicated for extraction f for filled teeth

Teeth missing because of caries are not recorded because of the complications of exfoliation and lack of knowledge as to whether missing teeth were carious prior to exfoliation.

def INDEX Modifications of this index: The dmf index for use in children before the age of exfoliation The dmf index applied only to the primary molar teeth The df index

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