Rampant caries are best described as what?

• A. Isolated cavitated lesions
• B. A single non-cavitated lesion
• C. Extensive and multiple cavitated and active lesions in the same person
• D. Caries in arrested stage

Answer: (C)

Rampant caries describe a pattern of widespread, rapidly progressing decay, with extensive and multiple cavitated and active lesions occurring in the same person. This best captures the idea because “rampant” implies many teeth and surfaces are affected in a short time, with lesions that are actively advancing. It isn’t just isolated cavitated lesions or a single non-cavitated lesion, which would indicate more limited decay, and it isn’t arrested caries, where lesions are inactive. Recognizing this pattern helps focus on addressing the overall caries risk factors—diet, hygiene, fluoride exposure, saliva flow—and implementing comprehensive preventive and restorative care to control rapid disease spread.