Test your knowledge

1. Which of the following statements differentiates erosion from caries?

a)

Erosion is caused by extrinsic and intrinsic acids of bacterial origin; caries are caused by acids of non-bacterial origin

b)

The clinical presentation of erosion comprises localised silky shiny surface and rounded defects; caries present as white spots, with tooth surface intact initially, but later developing into rough defects

c)

Caries can be remineralised effectively with fluoride until there is no cavitation; erosive lesions can be remineralised effectively with fluoride at any stage of erosion development

d)

There is no need to differentiate caries from erosive defect because restorative treatment is needed in both cases

2. Which of the following may never be the first visible signs of erosion?

a)

Localised silky and shiny tooth surface

b)

Optical radioopacity

c)

Rim of intact enamel on facial surfaces along gingival margin

d)

Loss of perikymata

3. Which of the following statements is not true regarding wedge-shaped defects?

a)

Wedge-shaped defects can be worsened by dental erosion

b)

Wedge-shaped defects should always be treated with adhesives; there is no need to assess aetiology

c)

Wedge-shaped defects may also be prone to caries

d)

Wedge-shaped defects have a multicausal aetiology

4. Which of the following statements is correct in respect to caries and erosion?

a)

Caries and erosive defects will never be seen together in one patient

b)

Both result in hard tissue defects which are first treated with minimally-invasive fillings in first instance

c)

For both diseases, there does not exist any primary prevention techniques

d)

For both diseases, flouride containing rinses may constitute part of the therapy

5. Which of the following statements best describes the type of tooth wear, which might occur when a patient consistently brushes their teeth immediately before exposure to erosive agents?

a)

A reduction of the pellicle which reduces the protection against erosion from acidic foods and drinks

b)

Enamel wear due to attrition alone

c)

Abrasion due to softening of the enamel

d)

Increased vulnerability to erosion due to the softening of the dentine

6. Why is erosion difficult to detect in its early stages?

a)

Erosion is rare

b)

Clinical signs are subtle

c)

Patients begin to experience pain as erosive lesions develop

d)

Patients experience pain before the dentine is exposed

7. Is it advisable for people at risk of erosion to brush their teeth, and why?

a)

No, because the risk of losing even more dental hard tissue is too big (abrasion).

b)

No, this is not needed, as the acid kills the oral bacteria anyway.

c)

Yes, because otherwise caries may develop.

d)

Yes, because toothbrushing helps to remove the acidic compounds from the oral cavity.

8. Which of the statements regarding the measurement of erosion progression is untrue?

a)

The assessment of the progression of erosive processes is largely standardised

b)

Study casts are difficult to quantify

c)

Computer generated 3D images are costly

d)

Metal markers are a simple way to measure erosion

9. What is dental erosion?

a)

Dissolution of dental hard tissue by intrinsic or extrinsic acidic environment without the involvement of bacteria

b)

Loss of dental hard tissue due to mechanical interaction of teeth and other materials, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste

c)

Abnormal occlusal loading, predisposing cervical enamel to mechanical and chemical wear

d)

Dissolution of hard tissue by bacterial acids

10. Erosion can be caused or aggravated by various extrinsic factors. Which of the following do not apply?

a)

Certain medicines / drug abuse

b)

Strenuous exercise

c)

Lactovegetarian diet

d)

Oral hygiene products with fluoride content

After having answered all questions, you can start the automated evaluation by clicking on "Evaluation."