What does the DMFT index represent?

• A. The total number of Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth
• B. The total number of Decayed and Filled Surfaces
• C. The number of active decay lesions
• D. The number of filled teeth only

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that this index captures lifetime caries experience by counting teeth affected in three ways: those currently decayed (untreated decay), those missing due to caries, and those filled because of past decay. Adding these three components gives the total score, which reflects both past treatments and current disease. The measure uses teeth as the unit, not tooth surfaces, so it summarizes overall caries burden in an individual or population.

This is why the statement describing the total number of Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth is the best fit. It differentiates from other measures like a surface-based count (which would be DMFS), focuses on current activity versus past treatment, and recognizes that a tooth with a filling isn’t simply counted as filled if untreated decay is present.