Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Erosion on the lingual surface of teeth is most commonly associated with which condition?

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

2. Brushing too hard

3. Acidic food consumption

4. Dry mouth

The correct answer is: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Erosion on the lingual surface of teeth is most commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because this condition causes acidic stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus and often reach the oral cavity. The frequent exposure to this acid can lead to the demineralization of tooth enamel, particularly on the lingual surfaces, which are more directly affected by pooled saliva and gastric acid. Patients with GERD may experience episodes of acid reflux that can result in a distinct pattern of tooth wear and erosion, leading to a confirmation of this association in clinical practice. The erosion is characterized by a smooth, shiny appearance on the enamel, primarily affecting the back surfaces of the teeth, making recognition easier during dental examinations. In contrast, while brushing too hard can indeed cause wear and abrasion of teeth, it typically affects the facial surfaces more than the lingual surfaces. Acidic food consumption also contributes to tooth erosion, but it tends to be more generalized rather than localized to the lingual sides as seen in cases of GERD. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can exacerbate some erosion factors by reducing saliva's protective effects, but it is not as directly related to the specific erosion patterns associated with GERD. Therefore, GERD