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. 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.

3. Which of the following is not an initial sign of erosive tooth wear?

a)

Initial loss of surface texture (perikymata)

b)

Localised silky and shiny tooth surfaces

c)

Exposure of deeper parts of dentine

d)

Sometimes dull surfaces

4. Which of the following is not a primary prevention technique?

a)

Brush teeth with an especially abrasive toothpaste

b)

Restrict acidic drinks to consumption with meals

c)

Rinse mouth with water or with an erosion protection dental rinse

d)

Use soft tooth brushes

5. What kind of toothbrush is recommended for people at risk of erosion or patients with erosion?

a)

a soft toothbrush

b)

a toothbrush of medium hardness

c)

a hard toothbrush

d)

No toothbrush, as you should not brush at all (too much abrasion)

6. Which of the categories below does not describe tooth wear?

a)

Attrition

b)

Caries

c)

Erosion

d)

Abrasion

7. What is the estimated prevalence of signs of erosion in the Western population?

a)

20%

b)

30%

c)

50%

d)

70%

8. Which of the following is not a proactive method in the assessment of erosion?

a)

Observing the patient’s dietary intake for several consecutive days

b)

Identifying intrinsic risk factors

c)

Reviewing the patient’s tooth brushing habits

d)

Ignoring the patient’s general health

9. Which of these patients will probably not be at risk for dental erosion?

a)

a pregnant woman

b)

an obese man

c)

a poly-medicated cancer patient

d)

a well-monitored patient in your office

10. Which of the following factors need not be considered when diagnosing erosion?

a)

General health

b)

Salivary flow rate

c)

The clinical appearance of teeth

d)

Patient gender

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