Orthodontics: molar incisor hypomineralisation: 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.

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Dentistry · Orthodontics: molar incisor hypomineralisation

Sample item

A 7-year-old has first permanent molars and some incisors with creamy yellow-brown opaque patches that crumble and are hypersensitive. Which condition is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Molar incisor hypomineralisation

Molar incisor hypomineralisation is a qualitative enamel defect of first permanent molars and often incisors, with asymmetric demarcated opacities. The enamel breaks down after eruption and causes hypersensitivity.

Option by option

  • A. Molar incisor hypomineralisation (correct)

    Correct. Demarcated opacities of first molars and incisors suggest MIH.

  • B. Dental fluorosis

    Fluorosis is symmetrical and diffuse across many teeth.

  • C. Amelogenesis imperfecta

    Amelogenesis imperfecta affects all teeth in both dentitions.

  • D. Congenital syphilis

    Congenital syphilis gives Hutchinson incisors and mulberry molars.

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.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Molar incisor hypomineralisation. Molar incisor hypomineralisation is a qualitative enamel defect of first permanent molars and often incisors, with asymmetric demarcated opacities.

Why is "Dental fluorosis" not the answer?

Fluorosis is symmetrical and diffuse across many teeth.

Why is "Amelogenesis imperfecta" not the answer?

Amelogenesis imperfecta affects all teeth in both dentitions.

Why is "Congenital syphilis" not the answer?

Congenital syphilis gives Hutchinson incisors and mulberry molars.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: molar incisor hypomineralisation in Dentistry. The enamel breaks down after eruption and causes hypersensitivity.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Orthodontics: molar incisor hypomineralisation?

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.