Pathology · single question
A patient with bulimia nervosa — which teeth surfaces are MOST affected by the acid erosion?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Lingual surfaces of maxillary (upper) teeth
✓ A) Lingual surfaces of MAXILLARY (upper) teeth are correct.
In bulimia, self-induced vomiting brings gastric acid into the oral cavity. The tongue directs the acidic vomitus against the lingual/palatal surfaces of the maxillary anterior and posterior teeth — these surfaces are 'perimolysis' or 'perimylolysis.' The maxillary lingual surfaces are most exposed because: the tongue pushes vomitus against the palate, and the lower teeth are partially protected by the tongue. Differential from erosion due to acidic beverages (which affects buccal/labial).
In bulimia, self-induced vomiting brings gastric acid into the oral cavity. The tongue directs the acidic vomitus against the lingual/palatal surfaces of the maxillary anterior and posterior teeth — these surfaces are 'perimolysis' or 'perimylolysis.' The maxillary lingual surfaces are most exposed because: the tongue pushes vomitus against the palate, and the lower teeth are partially protected by the tongue. Differential from erosion due to acidic beverages (which affects buccal/labial).