Community dentistry: pit and fissure sealants: 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 · Community dentistry: pit and fissure sealants

Sample item

Which measure is most effective for preventing occlusal caries in newly erupted permanent molars?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pit and fissure sealants

Occlusal pits and fissures are the most caries-prone sites. Resin sealants physically block them from plaque and are most effective soon after eruption.

Option by option

  • A. Chlorhexidine mouthwash

    Chlorhexidine is an antiplaque rinse and does not seal fissures.

  • B. Dental floss

    Floss cleans proximal surfaces, not occlusal pits.

  • C. Pit and fissure sealants (correct)

    Correct. Sealants seal off the vulnerable fissures.

  • D. Vitamin D supplements

    Vitamin D has no direct effect on fissure 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.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Pit and fissure sealants. Occlusal pits and fissures are the most caries-prone sites.

Why is "Chlorhexidine mouthwash" not the answer?

Chlorhexidine is an antiplaque rinse and does not seal fissures.

Why is "Dental floss" not the answer?

Floss cleans proximal surfaces, not occlusal pits.

Why is "Vitamin D supplements" not the answer?

Vitamin D has no direct effect on fissure caries.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community dentistry: pit and fissure sealants in Dentistry. Resin sealants physically block them from plaque and are most effective soon after eruption.

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: pit and fissure sealants?

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.