Test your knowledge

1. 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

2. Certain oral hygiene procedures can increase the symptoms of erosion. Why?

a)

They are highly abrasive and are used incorrectly (e.g. using too much pressure when brushing teeth)

b)

They have a low pH but have active ingredients such as polyvalent cations or fluorides

c)

They have a high pH and additionally can buffer a drop in pH

d)

They are gentle on the teeth

3. 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

4. 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)

5. What might be a clinical presentation of erosion?

a)

Erosion can lead to wedge-shaped defects with depth clearly exceeding width and sharp edges

b)

Erosion shows flat glossy areas with distinct margins and corresponding defects on antagonistic teeth

c)

Erosion can lead to defects with depth clearly exceeding width and sharp edges

d)

Erosion shows rounded edges and often shows a rim of intact enamel along the gingival margin of facial surfaces due to the protection by sulfus fluid and / or plaque

6. Presence of erosive lesions often positively correlates with:

a)

Caries activity

b)

Fast drinking habit

c)

High buffering capacity of saliva

d)

Low salivary flow rate

7. Which of the following statements is not true regarding the influence of saliva on erosion?

a)

Saliva neutralises acid and prevents acidification by providing tooth minerals

b)

Increasing a low salivary flow rate can under no means stop the aggravation of erosion

c)

The efficacy against erosion is determined mainly by its composition and flow rate

d)

Saliva is the source of the dental pellicle, which has protective properties

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. 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

10. What is the most common extrinsic cause of dental erosion?

a)

Frequent consumption of acidic food and drinks

b)

Inadequate dental hygiene habits

c)

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

d)

Illegal drugs, such as ecstasy

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