Table 2 Nyvad criteria scoring system for visual assessment of primary and secondary caries lesions (Adopted from [13])

0

Sound teeth with normal translucency and texture of enamel, allowing slight staining

1

Presence of active caries on surface of enamel which appear as yellowish or whitish opaque spot. Feels rough when tip of probe is gently moved on top of the surface. Lesion may be extending along walls of fissure

2

Almost same morphology as score 1 (active caries is detected in enamel only). No softened floor is detected

3

Enamel and dentine cavity is easily visible to naked eye (inactive caries). Surface is soft or leathery when tip of probe is moved across the spot. Pulpal may or may not be involved

4

Inactive caries with intact surface. Enamel may appear as shiny or whitish, brownish or black spot. Surface of enamel feel hard and smooth when touch using tip of probe. Lesion is extending along fissure’s walls

5

Inactive caries with localized surface of microcavity on enamel only. No softened floor or undermined enamel detected with explorer

6

Inactive caries where shiny surface of cavity on enamel and dentine can be seen easily with the naked eye. Surface feels hard on gentle probing. No involvement of pulpal

7

Filling with sound tooth surface

8

Filling with active caries lesion that may be cavitated or non-cavitated

9

Filling with inactive caries lesion that may be cavitated or non-cavitated