What does Class V caries mainly affect?

Class V caries primarily affects the gingival third of any tooth, which is characterized by their location at or just below the margin of the gums. These cavities can occur on both anterior and posterior teeth, making them quite versatile in their presentation. Class V lesions are typically associated with factors such as plaque accumulation, poor oral hygiene, and sometimes, specific anatomical features of teeth that predispose them to decay in these areas.

In contrast, the other choices represent different classifications of dental caries. The incisal edges of anteriors are associated with Class IV caries, which are cavities found on the incisal edges of anterior teeth. The cusps of posterior teeth relate to Class I caries, which typically occur in occlusal surfaces where food and plaque can easily accumulate. Lastly, pits and fissures of molars are specifically addressed by Class I caries and do not cover the gingival area, nor do they relate to the types of surfaces that Class V caries usually affects. Thus, the identification of Class V caries being mainly focused on the gingival third highlights the distinct nature of this cavity type.