Public Health · single question
A patient who smokes, brushes twice daily, and eats mints frequently has multiple new caries. What is MOST responsible?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Mints (breath mints/candies)
Mints are the most cariogenic factor — frequent consumption provides constant fermentable carbohydrate substrate for acid-producing bacteria throughout the day.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Frequent mints provide constant bacterial substrate for acid production and caries.
- B. ❌ Smoking causes xerostomia increasing caries risk, but mints are the primary new cariogenic variable.
- C. ❌ Twice-daily brushing is adequate frequency.
- D. ❌ While both contribute, mints are the primary new cariogenic factor.