NutDent Protein

A 7-year-old patient presents with delayed exfoliation of primary teeth and slow eruption of permanent teeth. Which nutritional deficiency is most likely contributing to this condition?

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Protein deficiency

• Iron deficiency

• Vitamin A deficiency

During wound healing after oral surgery, protein intake is crucial because it:

• Increases calcium absorption for bone repair

• Provides amino acids for collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration

• Reduces inflammation by neutralizing free radicals

• Enhances enamel remineralization directly

A patient on a strict vegan diet reports poor wound healing and gingival bleeding. What advice should the dentist give regarding protein intake?

• Recommend more leafy vegetables for protein

• Suggest plant-based complete proteins like soy, quinoa, or combining legumes and grains

• Encourage more fruit consumption

• Avoid protein supplements

Low-protein intake during tooth development can result in:

• Excessive fluoride deposition

• Enamel hypoplasia and delayed eruption

• Gingival hyperplasia

• Overgrowth of calculus

A post-extraction patient is unable to chew solid foods for several days. To promote healing, the dentist should recommend:

• High-fat soft foods like ice cream

• Soft, protein-rich foods like yogurt, eggs, or protein smoothies

• Only clear fluids for one week

• Foods low in protein to reduce inflammation

Which of the following best describes the role of protein in saliva production?

• Protein is unnecessary for saliva synthesis

• Salivary proteins aid in antimicrobial defense and mucosal lubrication

• Proteins in saliva increase plaque formation

• Protein only affects salivary pH, not composition

In patients with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), which oral finding is most commonly observed?

• Black hairy tongue

• Angular cheilitis and mucosal atrophy

• Fluorosis

• Amalgam tattoo

A bodybuilder patient reports high intake of protein supplements. What should the dentist be most concerned about in relation to oral health?

• Excess protein causing increased caries risk

• Dehydration leading to xerostomia

• Protein causing enamel erosion

• Protein supplements decreasing oral pH

Collagen, a protein found in gingival and periodontal tissues, plays a key role in:

• Salivary buffering

• Tooth mineralization

• Structural integrity and wound healing

• Enamel prism formation

A patient with chronic kidney disease is placed on a low-protein diet. What should the dentist consider when planning oral surgery?

• Wound healing may be delayed due to reduced protein intake

• Caries risk is increased due to protein deficiency

• There is no impact on oral healing

• The patient’s bleeding risk is increased because of excess protein