A longitudinal study of occlusal caries in Newark New Jersey school children: Relationship between initial dental finding and the development of new lesions

Having a prior caries history places the subject at increased risk of developing future caries. Teeth with dark lesions but not white lesions are at significantly increased risk for developing decay. White lesions may represent remineralizing or slowly progressing lesions. The results of this study can help identify patients and tooth surfaces at risk for future occlusal decay.