Community dentistry: root caries in older adults: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Dentistry · Community dentistry: root caries in older adults

Sample item

An 75-year-old on antihypertensives with dry mouth and gingival recession has soft brown lesions at the necks of many teeth. Which is the likely cause?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Root caries from exposed cementum and reduced saliva

Gingival recession exposes root cementum, which is less mineralised than enamel and demineralises at a higher pH. Reduced salivary flow from drugs raises the risk.

Option by option

  • A. Fluorosis

    Fluorosis causes mottling during tooth development.

  • B. Root caries from exposed cementum and reduced saliva (correct)

    Correct. Exposed root surface and xerostomia lead to root caries.

  • C. Amelogenesis imperfecta

    Amelogenesis imperfecta is hereditary and present from eruption.

  • D. Enamel hypoplasia

    Hypoplasia is a developmental defect and not new soft lesions in old age.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Root caries from exposed cementum and reduced saliva. Gingival recession exposes root cementum, which is less mineralised than enamel and demineralises at a higher pH.

Why is "Fluorosis" not the answer?

Fluorosis causes mottling during tooth development.

Why is "Amelogenesis imperfecta" not the answer?

Amelogenesis imperfecta is hereditary and present from eruption.

Why is "Enamel hypoplasia" not the answer?

Hypoplasia is a developmental defect and not new soft lesions in old age.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community dentistry: root caries in older adults in Dentistry. Reduced salivary flow from drugs raises the risk.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Community dentistry: root caries in older adults?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.