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

Why does frequent intake of fermentable sugar increase caries risk?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Repeated plaque acid attacks reduce time for enamel remineralization

Frequent sugar exposure allows plaque bacteria to produce repeated acid episodes, lowering pH and limiting recovery time for remineralization of enamel.

Option by option

  • A. Sugar directly fractures enamel crystals mechanically

    Sugar does not mechanically break enamel crystals.

  • B. It sterilizes dental plaque completely

    Sugar supports rather than sterilizes cariogenic plaque.

  • C. Repeated plaque acid attacks reduce time for enamel remineralization (correct)

    Correct: repeated acid challenges favour net mineral loss.

  • D. It increases saliva buffering in every person

    Salivary response varies and does not eliminate the acid effect.

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 C, Repeated plaque acid attacks reduce time for enamel remineralization. Frequent sugar exposure allows plaque bacteria to produce repeated acid episodes, lowering pH and limiting recovery time for remineralization of enamel.

Why is "Sugar directly fractures enamel crystals mechanically" not the answer?

Sugar does not mechanically break enamel crystals.

Why is "It sterilizes dental plaque completely" not the answer?

Sugar supports rather than sterilizes cariogenic plaque.

Why is "It increases saliva buffering in every person" not the answer?

Salivary response varies and does not eliminate the acid effect.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental caries in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: repeated acid challenges favour net 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.