Diet and Nutrition in Oral Health Practice Questions
20 free Diet and Nutrition in Oral Health practice questions for the CDA. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
How does frequent consumption of sugary snacks impact oral health?
- A It significantly increases resting saliva flow throughout the mouth
- B It raises caries risk by feeding bacteria constant carbohydrate
- C It gradually strengthens tooth enamel over a long period of time
- D It reliably prevents plaque from accumulating on the teeth
Correct answer: It raises caries risk by feeding bacteria constant carbohydrate
Frequent sugar intake promotes continuous acid production by oral bacteria. This leads to demineralisation and caries development.
Which dietary factor has the greatest influence on caries formation?
- A Total calories consumed
- B Frequency of sugar exposure
- C Amount of fibre in the diet
- D Protein intake
Correct answer: Frequency of sugar exposure
Frequent sugar exposure causes repeated acid attacks on enamel. This is more harmful than the total amount of sugar consumed.
Which type of food is most protective against caries due to its ability to stimulate saliva?
- A Dried fruits
- B Cheese
- C Sticky candies
- D Sports drinks
Correct answer: Cheese
Cheese stimulates saliva and provides calcium and phosphate. These help buffer acids and support remineralisation.
Why are acidic beverages such as soda harmful to enamel?
- A They contain probiotics
- B They lower oral pH and promote erosion
- C They increase enamel hardness
- D They neutralise bacterial acids
Correct answer: They lower oral pH and promote erosion
Acidic drinks soften enamel by reducing pH. This leads to erosion and increases caries susceptibility.
Which vitamin deficiency is associated with delayed wound healing in the oral cavity?
- A Vitamin C deficiency
- B Vitamin K deficiency
- C Vitamin D deficiency
- D Vitamin B12 deficiency
Correct answer: Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C supports collagen formation and tissue repair. Deficiency leads to poor healing and gingival bleeding.
Which nutrient is essential for proper development and mineralisation of teeth?
- A Vitamin D
- B Vitamin E
- C Vitamin K
- D Iron
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption. These minerals are crucial for strong enamel and dentin.
What effect does frequent consumption of sticky carbohydrates have on oral health?
- A They are easily rinsed by saliva
- B They remain on tooth surfaces and increase caries risk
- C They neutralise plaque acids
- D They reduce bacterial growth
Correct answer: They remain on tooth surfaces and increase caries risk
Sticky foods adhere to teeth and remain longer in pits and fissures. This prolonged exposure increases caries risk.
What is the primary dental concern with sipping sugary beverages over long periods?
- A It improves digestion
- B It causes repeated acid attacks on enamel
- C It prevents dry mouth
- D It strengthens the periodontal ligament
Correct answer: It causes repeated acid attacks on enamel
Continuous sipping keeps oral pH low for extended periods. This creates ideal conditions for enamel breakdown.
Which nutrient deficiency may contribute to angular cheilitis?
- A Dietary calcium intake
- B Vitamin B complex
- C Vitamin D
- D Vitamin A
Correct answer: Vitamin B complex
B vitamin deficiencies can cause cracking at the corners of the mouth. They are essential for mucosal health.
How does adequate water intake support oral health?
- A By reducing calcium absorption
- B By maintaining salivary flow and rinsing away food debris
- C By increasing plaque thickness
- D By neutralising stomach acid
Correct answer: By maintaining salivary flow and rinsing away food debris
Water helps cleanse the mouth and maintain saliva production. Saliva is essential for buffering acids and protecting teeth.
Which group of foods is most likely to cause dental erosion?
- A High-protein foods
- B Citrus fruits and carbonated beverages
- C Whole grains
- D Dairy products
Correct answer: Citrus fruits and carbonated beverages
Citrus fruits and sodas contain strong acids that dissolve enamel. Frequent exposure leads to erosion.
What is a benefit of xylitol-containing gum?
- A It increases acid production
- B It reduces Streptococcus mutans levels
- C It coats teeth with calcium
- D It acts as a whitening agent
Correct answer: It reduces Streptococcus mutans levels
Xylitol inhibits cariogenic bacteria like S. mutans. Chewing gum also stimulates saliva, aiding remineralisation.
Why is snacking on fruit juice worse for teeth than eating whole fruit?
- A Juice contains less sugar
- B Juice has more fibre
- C Juice is more acidic and lacks protective fibre
- D Whole fruit dissolves enamel faster
Correct answer: Juice is more acidic and lacks protective fibre
Juice exposes teeth to concentrated sugars and acids. Whole fruit contains fibre, which reduces contact with enamel.
How does a diet low in calcium affect oral health?
- A It causes hyper-salivation
- B It weakens enamel and bone supporting the teeth
- C It prevents plaque formation
- D It increases tooth colour stability
Correct answer: It weakens enamel and bone supporting the teeth
Calcium is a key mineral for enamel hardness and bone density. Low intake weakens structural support.
Which eating habit is most protective against caries?
- A Eating multiple sugary snacks throughout the day
- B Eating sweets only at mealtimes
- C Drinking sweetened beverages all day long
- D Snacking on sticky foods
Correct answer: Eating sweets only at mealtimes
Eating sweets with meals reduces caries risk because increased saliva flow during meals buffers acids.
Which nutrient deficiency is associated with glossitis (inflamed tongue)?
- A Vitamin B12
- B Vitamin C
- C Vitamin D
- D Vitamin K
Correct answer: Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause smooth, painful tongue surfaces. It affects epithelial turnover in the oral cavity.
Which type of carbohydrate poses the highest caries risk?
- A Complex carbohydrates
- B High-fibre carbohydrates
- C Simple fermentable sugars
- D Non-fermentable carbohydrates
Correct answer: Simple fermentable sugars
Fermentable sugars are easily metabolised by bacteria, producing acids. These acids directly cause enamel demineralisation.
How does frequent vomiting in conditions such as bulimia affect teeth?
- A It causes tooth strengthening
- B It leads to erosion from stomach acid
- C It protects enamel through saliva production
- D It prevents plaque formation
Correct answer: It leads to erosion from stomach acid
Stomach acids erode enamel, especially on the palatal surfaces. Repeated exposure causes severe enamel loss.
Which snack is least likely to contribute to dental caries?
- A Chocolate bar
- B Crackers
- C Fresh apples
- D Dried raisins
Correct answer: Fresh apples
Apples contain water and fibre, which help clean tooth surfaces. They do not adhere to teeth like sticky snacks.
Which dietary advice is appropriate for reducing caries risk?
- A Sip sugary drinks throughout the day
- B Choose water between meals instead of sweetened beverages
- C Snack frequently on dried fruit
- D Avoid dairy products completely
Correct answer: Choose water between meals instead of sweetened beverages
Water is non-cariogenic and helps cleanse the mouth. Avoiding sugary drinks between meals reduces acid attacks on enamel.