Restorative & Materials · single question
A patient with a history of bulimia presents with erosion on which surfaces of posterior teeth?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Occlusal and palatal/lingual surfaces
Bulimia-induced erosion (from repeated self-induced vomiting) affects primarily the palatal surfaces of maxillary anteriors and occlusal/lingual surfaces of posterior teeth — surfaces that are bathed in regurgitated gastric acid. In contrast, dietary acid erosion (from acidic drinks) tends to affect buccal and labial surfaces. The pattern of erosion can help identify the etiology.
- A. ❌ Labial anterior erosion can occur in GERD but is more characteristic of dietary acid exposure, not bulimia specifically.
- B. ✅ CORRECT – Bulimia causes erosion primarily on palatal/lingual and occlusal surfaces due to the path of regurgitated acid.
- C. ❌ Interproximal erosion is not a typical pattern for bulimia-induced erosion.
- D. ❌ Buccal surface erosion is more typical of dietary acid (acidic beverages held in the cheek) or abrasion.
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