Anatomical distribution and severity of dental caries by tooth and surface in preschool children from Costa Rica: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Second primary molars were the most frequently affected teeth, while upper central incisors exhibited the highest caries lesion severity. Occlusal and buccal surfaces together accounted for the largest proportion of carious lesions. These findings underscore the need for preventive strategies tailored to anatomical risk patterns in preschool populations.