Dental caries: 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 · Dental caries

Sample item

What is the initiating process in dental caries?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Acid-mediated enamel demineralization

Caries begins when acid generated by plaque bacteria lowers pH sufficiently to dissolve mineral from enamel, creating a net demineralization process.

Option by option

  • A. Acid-mediated enamel demineralization (correct)

    Correct: bacterial acid causes enamel mineral loss.

  • B. Pulp calcification

    Pulp calcification is not the first caries event.

  • C. Root resorption only

    Root resorption is a distinct pathological process.

  • D. Excess cementum growth

    Cementum growth does not initiate caries.

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 A, Acid-mediated enamel demineralization. Caries begins when acid generated by plaque bacteria lowers pH sufficiently to dissolve mineral from enamel, creating a net demineralization process.

Why is "Pulp calcification" not the answer?

Pulp calcification is not the first caries event.

Why is "Root resorption only" not the answer?

Root resorption is a distinct pathological process.

Why is "Excess cementum growth" not the answer?

Cementum growth does not initiate caries.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental caries in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: bacterial acid causes enamel mineral loss.

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 Dental caries?

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.