Dental Caries: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Question 1

What dietary element is a significant contributor to dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Sugar

Answer

Protein

Answer

Fat

Answer

Carbohydrates

Question 2

During which stage of dental caries development does a white spot lesion appear?

Accepted Answer

Demineralization

Answer

Initiation

Answer

Cavitation

Answer

Repair

Question 3

What is the primary component of dental plaque responsible for its adherence to tooth surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Dextrans

Answer

Glucans

Answer

Fructans

Answer

Polysaccharides

Question 4

Which of the following factors is NOT directly involved in the initiation of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

High fluoride concentration

Answer

Streptococcus mutans

Answer

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Answer

Frequent sugar consumption

Question 5

What is the primary mechanism by which bacteria contribute to dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Producing acids that dissolve enamel

Answer

Directly invading tooth structures

Answer

Forming a protective layer on tooth surfaces

Answer

Stimulating the immune system to attack healthy tissues

Question 6

Which dietary factor is most strongly associated with an increased risk of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Sugary beverages

Answer

Fruit and vegetables

Answer

Whole-grain products

Answer

Dairy products

Question 7

What is the name of the outermost layer of a tooth?

Accepted Answer

Enamel

Answer

Dentin

Answer

Pulp

Answer

Cementum

Question 8

What is the primary mechanism by which fluoride helps prevent dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Strengthening tooth enamel

Answer

Killing bacteria

Answer

Neutralizing acids

Answer

Stimulating saliva production

Question 9

Which bacterial species is widely recognized as the primary causative agent of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus mutans

Answer

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Answer

Porphyromonas gingivalis

Answer

Escherichia coli

Question 10

Among the following dietary components, which one is most strongly associated with the development of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates

Answer

Protein

Answer

Fat

Answer

Vitamins

Question 11

Which biochemical process is critical for the formation of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Glycolysis

Answer

Proteolysis

Answer

Gluconeogenesis

Answer

Lipolysis

Question 12

Which preventive measure has been proven to be most effective in reducing the incidence of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Fluoride application

Answer

Dental sealants

Answer

Regular dental check-ups

Answer

Antibiotic therapy

Question 13

What is the role of dentin in the progression of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Its tubules allow bacteria to reach the pulp

Answer

It acts as a barrier against bacterial invasion

Answer

It is the primary site where demineralization occurs

Answer

It does not play a significant role in dental caries

Question 14

Identify the primary causative agent of dental caries:

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus mutans

Answer

Candida albicans

Answer

Porphyromonas gingivalis

Answer

Escherichia coli

Question 15

Which of the following host factors is non-modifiable and contributes to dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Fluoride exposure

Answer

Saliva production

Answer

Oral hygiene practices

Question 16

When treating dental caries in children and elderly patients, what ethical considerations and age-specific management strategies are most important?

Accepted Answer

Involving children in decisions, using minimally invasive procedures, and emphasizing prevention.

Answer

Obtaining parental consent without involving the child in the decision-making process.

Answer

Using invasive procedures and neglecting preventive measures in children with high caries risk.

Answer

Ignoring the patient's overall health and potential drug interactions in treating elderly patients.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a primary contributing factor to dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Fluoride exposure

Answer

Host factors

Answer

Diet

Answer

Oral bacteria

Question 18

The process of tooth decay begins when oral bacteria metabolize:

Accepted Answer

Sucrose

Answer

Fructose

Answer

Starch

Answer

Glucose

Question 19

Which of the following host factors increases the risk of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Saliva deficiency

Answer

Immune competence

Answer

Low caries-associated microbiota

Answer

Strong enamel

Question 20

The presence of which type of bacteria in dental plaque is strongly associated with the progression of caries?

Accepted Answer

Mutans streptococci

Answer

Actinomyces

Answer

Candida

Answer

Lactobacillus

Question 21

Which of the following dietary modifications can help reduce the risk of dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Limiting added sugar intake

Answer

Increasing protein intake

Answer

Consuming more refined carbohydrates

Answer

Avoiding acidic foods

Question 22

The formation of a dental caries lesion involves a dynamic interaction between:

Accepted Answer

Host, bacteria, and substrate

Answer

Bacteria and substrate only

Answer

Host and substrate only

Answer

Host and bacteria only

Question 23

Which of the following is a clinical sign of early dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Opaque white spot

Answer

Cavitation

Answer

Pain

Answer

Discoloration

Question 24

The main goal of fluoride in dental caries prevention is to:

Accepted Answer

Inhibit demineralization and promote remineralization

Answer

Kill oral bacteria

Answer

Strengthen enamel

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for root caries?

Accepted Answer

Good oral hygiene

Answer

Dry mouth

Answer

High sugar intake

Answer

Gum recession

Question 26

The treatment of choice for uncomplicated coronal caries is:

Accepted Answer

Restorative dentistry

Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Monitoring

Answer

Scaling and polishing