Beginning occlusal caries affect which surface of a tooth?

• A. Proximal surface
• B. Root surface
• C. Occlusal surface
• D. Facial surface

Answer: (C)

Beginning occlusal caries start on the chewing surface, specifically in the pits and fissures. These grooves create niches where plaque and sugars can accumulate, and the enamel in these areas is often thinner or more irregular, making it easier for acids produced by bacteria to demineralize the enamel. That early demineralization occurs within the fissures before it would appear on smoother or adjacent surfaces. Proximal surfaces, root surfaces, and facial surfaces are not the typical starting points for occlusal caries because their anatomy and exposure don’t favor the initial trapping of cariogenic plaque in the same way as fissured occlusal areas.