VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
**Core Concept**
The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index is a measure used to assess the oral health status of primary teeth in children. It takes into account the number of deciduous teeth that are decayed, missing, or filled due to caries.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The child has 2 deciduous teeth that are cariously decayed and 3 deciduous molars filled with amalgam. Additionally, 2 deciduous upper incisors are missing. Therefore, the total dmft score would be the sum of the decayed, missing, and filled deciduous teeth.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately reflect the total number of decayed, missing, and filled deciduous teeth.
**Option B:** This option is also incorrect as it underestimates the total dmft score.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it overestimates the total dmft score.
**Option D:** This is the correct option as it accurately reflects the total dmft score of 7 (2 decayed + 3 filled + 2 missing).
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The dmft index is an important tool for assessing oral health in children and for planning preventive and therapeutic interventions. A high dmft score indicates poor oral health and increased risk of future caries.
**Correct Answer:** D. 7