Chronic mouth-breathing in sleep apnea most directly contributes to which oral finding?

Correct answer: A. Gingival inflammation (gingivitis) from tissue drying

• A. Correct. Mouth-breathing dries the anterior gingiva, promoting plaque accumulation and gingivitis (with halitosis and a dry/coated tongue).
• B. Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth) is linked to drugs (phenytoin, cyclosporine, CCBs), not directly to mouth-breathing.
• C. Macroglossia is a cause of airway obstruction, not a result of mouth-breathing.
• D. Enamel pearls are developmental ectopic enamel, unrelated.