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Public Health · single question

A patient who chews mints and smokes presents with caries on ALL interproximal surfaces. What is the MOST likely cause?

  1. Bacterial overgrowth from poor oral hygiene
  2. Sugar-containing mints (constant fermentable carbohydrate exposure)
  3. Fluoride deficiency
  4. Smoking-induced xerostomia
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Correct answer: B. Sugar-containing mints (constant fermentable carbohydrate exposure)

Sugar-containing mints = constant fermentable carbohydrate supply throughout the day → sustained acid production by mutans streptococci → rampant interproximal caries. This explains the specific all-interproximal pattern. Source confirms: 'Mints' is the most likely reason.
  • A. Poor oral hygiene is a general risk factor but mints provide the specific explanation for this pattern.
  • B. CORRECT. Sugar-containing mints = constant cariogenic substrate = rampant interproximal caries.
  • C. Fluoride deficiency increases overall risk but doesn't explain the specific all-interproximal pattern.
  • D. Smoking-related xerostomia reduces salivary protection but alone doesn't explain this specific pattern.

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