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WorksheetsDental Caries & Studies
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 8mins
Which of the following best defines dental caries?
A reversible lesion affecting the hard tissues of the teeth
A dynamic process involving demineralization and remineralization of the tooth surface
The erosion of enamel due to mechanical abrasion
Inflammation of the periodontal ligament
Which equation accurately represents the balance between demineralization and remineralization in dental caries?
(pH < 5.5) → Ca²⁺ + PO₄³⁻ → Hydroxyapatite
Demineralization Rate = Acidogenic bacteria × Sugar concentration
Demineralization Rate = Frequency of sugar exposure × Enamel porosity
Remineralization Rate = Fluoride + Ca²⁺/PO₄³⁻ availability
In Stephan's curve, what is the primary factor responsible for the critical pH drop?
Salivary flow rate
Salivary buffering capacity
Sugar intake and bacterial metabolism
Oral temperature
The critical pH for demineralization of enamel is considered to be approximately:
4.5
5.5
6.5
7.5
What type of sugar is most cariogenic as per controlled dietary studies?
Glucose
Lactose
Fructose
Sucrose
According to Stephan’s curve, what duration is typically required for pH to return to normal after a cariogenic challenge?
5 minutes
20 minutes
40 minutes
60 minutes
In controlled dietary studies, which of the following factors showed a direct correlation with caries activity?
Total daily caloric intake
Daily protein consumption
Frequency of sugar consumption
Intake of dietary fiber
Which of the following statements is true about classification of sugars in relation to dental caries?
Extrinsic sugars are more cariogenic than intrinsic sugars
Polyols like sorbitol are more cariogenic than sucrose
Intrinsic sugars are more cariogenic than extrinsic sugars
Fructose is more cariogenic than sucrose
What does Stephan's curve primarily illustrate?
Variations in salivary flow
Changes in enamel porosity over time
Changes in plaque pH following sugar intake
Progression of enamel demineralization
The key endpoint in controlled dietary studies on dental caries is:
Measurement of demineralization in enamel lesions
Quantification of fluoride levels in saliva
pH measurement in gingival crevices
Analysis of bacterial colony-forming units
Which carbohydrate is classified as ‘intrinsic sugar’ with a lower cariogenic potential?
Honey
Whole fruit sugars
Refined cane sugar
High fructose corn syrup
Stephan's curve depicts a sharp pH decline immediately after sugar consumption due to:
Bacterial proteolytic activity
Salivary amylase activity
Enzymatic degradation of enamel
Acid production by plaque bacteria
What is the optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water as per dental caries prevention studies?
1.0 ppm
0.5 ppm
2.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
In dental caries progression, which of the following ions are released from hydroxyapatite?
Na⁺ and Cl⁻
K⁺ and Mg²⁺
Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺
Ca²⁺ and PO₄³⁻
Which statement best describes the conclusion from controlled dietary studies on caries prevalence?
The type of dietary fat consumed influences caries incidence
Reducing sugar frequency has more impact than total sugar intake
High-protein diets result in a higher caries rate
Daily vitamin D supplementation completely prevents caries
