Restorative & Materials · single question
A patient presents with a tooth that has cupping on the occlusal surface and history of consuming 5–7 lemons daily. As a dentist, what is the FIRST immediate recommendation you give them?
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Correct answer: B. Rinse mouth with water immediately after consuming lemons
The first and most critical immediate recommendation is to rinse with water immediately after consuming acidic foods. This dilutes and neutralizes the acid. Brushing immediately after acid exposure is actually harmful (softened enamel is abraded by the toothbrush) — patients should wait 30–60 minutes before brushing. Other advice: use a straw, reduce consumption gradually, and consider lemonade (buffered) instead of whole lemons.
- A. ❌ Fluoride varnish is a treatment option but is not the first immediate behavioral recommendation.
- B. ✅ CORRECT – Immediate rinsing with water after consuming acidic foods dilutes and neutralizes acid, protecting softened enamel.
- C. ❌ Telling a patient to immediately stop all consumption is not realistic and doesn't address the immediate post-exposure management.
- D. ❌ Restorations address the existing damage but do not prevent further erosion — behavioral change must come first.
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