Tooth development and dental anatomy: hypoparathyroidism and teeth: 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 · Tooth development and dental anatomy: hypoparathyroidism and teeth

Sample item

A child with carpopedal spasm and low serum calcium is found to have hypoplastic enamel and delayed eruption. Which endocrine disorder is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism during tooth formation causes enamel hypoplasia, delayed eruption and short roots, along with hypocalcaemic tetany. Hyperthyroidism causes early eruption. Acromegaly causes jaw overgrowth and spacing.

Option by option

  • A. Hyperparathyroidism

    Hyperparathyroidism causes hypercalcaemia and bone resorption, with loss of lamina dura.

  • B. Hyperthyroidism

    Hyperthyroidism accelerates eruption and bone loss.

  • C. Acromegaly

    Acromegaly enlarges the mandible and widens the tooth spacing.

  • D. Hypoparathyroidism (correct)

    Correct. Low calcium from deficient parathyroid hormone explains tetany and defective enamel.

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 D, Hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism during tooth formation causes enamel hypoplasia, delayed eruption and short roots, along with hypocalcaemic tetany.

Why is "Hyperparathyroidism" not the answer?

Hyperparathyroidism causes hypercalcaemia and bone resorption, with loss of lamina dura.

Why is "Hyperthyroidism" not the answer?

Hyperthyroidism accelerates eruption and bone loss.

Why is "Acromegaly" not the answer?

Acromegaly enlarges the mandible and widens the tooth spacing.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tooth development and dental anatomy: hypoparathyroidism and teeth in Dentistry. Hyperthyroidism causes early eruption. Acromegaly causes jaw overgrowth and spacing.

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 Tooth development and dental anatomy: hypoparathyroidism and teeth?

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.