Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: teething: 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 and paediatric dentistry: teething

Sample item

A mother says her 8-month-old has a fever of 39.5 C and loose stools, and the gum over the lower incisors looks red and swollen. What is the appropriate advice?

AStart antibiotics for the gumBLance the gum to release the toothCLook for another cause, as teething causes only mild irritability and droolingDAttribute it to teething and use a benzocaine gel

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Look for another cause, as teething causes only mild irritability and drooling

Teething may cause drooling and irritability but not high fever or diarrhoea. Another illness must be sought, and benzocaine gels are best avoided in infants.

Option by option

A. Start antibiotics for the gum
Antibiotics are not needed for normal teething.
B. Lance the gum to release the tooth
Lancing is not needed and may cause infection.
C. Look for another cause, as teething causes only mild irritability and drooling (correct)
Correct. Significant fever and diarrhoea need evaluation for another cause.
D. Attribute it to teething and use a benzocaine gel
Blaming teething risks missing infection.

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.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Look for another cause, as teething causes only mild irritability and drooling. Teething may cause drooling and irritability but not high fever or diarrhoea.

Why is "Start antibiotics for the gum" not the answer?

Antibiotics are not needed for normal teething.

Why is "Lance the gum to release the tooth" not the answer?

Lancing is not needed and may cause infection.

Why is "Attribute it to teething and use a benzocaine gel" not the answer?

Blaming teething risks missing infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: teething in Dentistry. Another illness must be sought, and benzocaine gels are best avoided in infants.

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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: teething?

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.