Nutrition and Oral Health Flashcards

Bulimia nervosa patients frequently present with which characteristic dental finding caused by repeated gastric acid exposure?

Answer: Perimylolysis (erosion on palatal surfaces of maxillary anterior teeth)

Recurrent self-induced vomiting exposes the palatal surfaces of upper anterior teeth to gastric acid, causing a smooth, glossy erosion pattern called perimylolysis.

A dental hygienist notices a patient's diet recall is high in citrus fruits and soda consumed throughout the day. Which oral finding is most likely?

Answer: Erosion on facial and occlusal surfaces

Dietary acids from citrus and carbonated beverages cause erosion, which most commonly affects facial and occlusal surfaces exposed during drinking and eating.

Which B vitamin deficiency is associated with a burning, beefy red tongue (glossitis) and neurological symptoms?

Answer: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and subacute combined degeneration; oral signs include glossitis and mucosal pallor.

Protein-energy malnutrition in children is most likely to affect teeth in which way?

Answer: Enamel hypoplasia and delayed eruption

Protein-energy malnutrition during enamel formation disrupts ameloblast function, resulting in hypoplastic enamel defects and retarded tooth eruption.

Which sweetener is considered non-cariogenic and is used in sugar-free chewing gum due to its ability to inhibit S. mutans?

Answer: Xylitol

Xylitol is actively transported into S. mutans but cannot be fermented, inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing acid production.

A patient with chronic kidney disease on a phosphate-restricted diet may be at increased risk for which oral finding?

Answer: Enamel demineralization and reduced remineralization

Low dietary phosphate reduces salivary phosphate concentrations, impairing the buffering capacity and mineral ion availability needed for enamel remineralization.