Restorative & Materials · single question
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for dental caries? (EXCEPT)
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Correct answer: A. HIV/AIDS
All options listed are caries risk factors EXCEPT that HIV/AIDS is more specifically a risk factor for PERIODONTAL DISEASE (NUP, linear gingival erythema) rather than caries per se. However, HIV can indirectly increase caries risk through xerostomia from antiretroviral medications. GERD is a caries risk factor (acid exposure). Xerostomia = major risk (saliva protects). Diet = substrate for cariogenic bacteria. Asthma, diabetes, and HIV are periodontal risk factors primarily.
- A. Incorrect (IS a caries risk factor). GERD exposes teeth to gastric acid (pH ~2), causing erosion and increasing demineralization — a direct caries/erosion risk.
- B. CORRECT (this is the EXCEPT). HIV/AIDS is primarily a periodontal disease risk factor (NUP, linear gingival erythema). While HIV can indirectly increase caries risk via xerostomia, it is not a direct caries risk factor in the way the others listed are.
- C. Incorrect (IS a caries risk factor). Xerostomia significantly increases caries risk — saliva neutralizes acids, remineralizes enamel, and mechanically clears debris.
- D. Incorrect (IS a caries risk factor). Fermentable carbohydrates (sucrose, fructose, glucose) are the substrate for S. mutans to produce lactic acid, the driver of caries.
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