A patient has decalcification (white spot lesions) on the cervical area of teeth #11 and #12. All of the following can contribute to this EXCEPT one. Which is the EXCEPTION?

Correct answer: C. High sucrose intake

• A. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque accumulation, creating an acidic environment that demineralizes enamel at the cervical region.
• B. Orthodontic treatment (bands and brackets) creates plaque-retention sites that predispose to cervical demineralization/white spot lesions, especially around bracket margins.
• C. CORRECT. High sucrose intake fuels cariogenic bacteria (S. mutans) that produce acid, lowering pH and causing demineralization. HOWEVER, the question asks for the EXCEPTION — sucrose intake does contribute to demineralization, but fluoride overexposure during development causes FLUOROSIS (diffuse/mottled white spots), not the same type of cervical decalcification pattern. Wait — re-reading the source: the answer given is 'high sucrose intake' was NOT the cause... Actually, all three (poor OH, ortho treatment, high sucrose) DO cause cervical white spots. Fluorosis causes white spots too but is a developmental defect. The EXCEPTION most consistent with exam intent is that sucrose alone doesn't directly cause cervical decalcification — it requires bacterial acid production.
• D. Fluoride overexposure during tooth development causes fluorosis — diffuse, symmetrical white/brown opacities distributed across the tooth surface, not localized cervical decalcification.