Restorative & Materials · single question
A patient with extensive caries constantly chews breath mints and is also a smoker. What is the MOST likely PRIMARY cause of their extensive caries?
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Correct answer: A. Frequent fermentable carbohydrate intake from mints
Frequent fermentable carbohydrate exposure from constant mint chewing provides continuous acid challenges — classic pattern for rampant caries.
- A. CORRECT. Breath mints typically contain sucrose — constant sucking/chewing maintains prolonged low-pH environment and provides continuous substrate for cariogenic bacteria (Stephan curve pattern). This is the primary modifiable caries driver identified.
- B. Inadequate fluoride is a background risk factor, but the immediate modifiable driver is the frequent fermentable carbohydrate.
- C. Smoking reduces salivary flow and contributes to periodontal disease, but it is not the primary caries driver when frequent fermentable carbohydrate exposure is present.
- D. Medication-induced xerostomia can accelerate caries, but the specific risk factor identified is the frequent sugar source from mints.
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