Which areas are known to be high risk for dental caries?

The margins of restoration are known to be high risk for dental caries due to a combination of factors. These margins are where tooth structure meets the restorative material, and they can often be sites of plaque accumulation. Over time, if these areas are not properly maintained, the seal between the tooth and the restoration can be compromised, leading to microleakage. This allows bacteria to penetrate and thrive, facilitating the development of caries.

Additionally, because restorations can alter the natural contours and cleanliness of the tooth surface, they may create areas that are more difficult for patients to keep clean. This increased plaque retention around the margins is a significant contributor to caries development.

In contrast, the other choices refer to areas with different risks associated with dental caries. For instance, incisors and canine teeth, while they can still develop caries, do not present the same specific high-risk factor associated with restorative margins. The base of the tongue does not directly contribute to tooth decay in the same way as the margins of restorations, as it is not an area where bacterial accumulation around restorations would occur.