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Pathology · single question

Which statement about hypoparathyroidism and dental development is correct?

  1. It produces larger-than-normal teeth from increased mineralization
  2. It typically causes enamel hypoplasia
  3. It has no effect on dental development
  4. It increases enamel resistance to caries
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. It typically causes enamel hypoplasia

  • A. Low calcium impairs rather than enhances mineralization; teeth are not enlarged.
  • B. Correct. Hypoparathyroidism causes HYPOCALCEMIA. If it occurs during tooth formation, the result is ENAMEL HYPOPLASIA, delayed eruption, shortened/blunted roots, and sometimes enamel pitting. Other findings include chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1), circumoral paresthesia, and positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs.
  • C. There is a clear effect when the deficiency occurs during odontogenesis.
  • D. Hypoplastic enamel is thin and defective — it is MORE, not less, caries-susceptible.

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