Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Erosion on the buccal surface of teeth is likely due to which of the following?

1. Frequent brushing

2. Bulimia or GERD

3. Fluorosis

4. Tetracycline exposure

The correct answer is: Bulimia or GERD

Erosion on the buccal surface of teeth is commonly associated with conditions that introduce acid into the oral environment, such as bulimia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These conditions lead to the frequent exposure of dental enamel to stomach acids, which can wear away the protective surface of the teeth over time. In patients with bulimia, the act of vomiting can cause acidic gastric contents to come into contact with the oral cavity, directly contributing to the erosion of the enamel. Similarly, individuals with GERD experience recurrent episodes of acid reflux, where acidic stomach contents escape into the esophagus and can reach the mouth, resulting in similar erosive effects on the teeth. Other factors, while they may affect dental health, do not specifically lead to the pattern of buccal surface erosion that is characteristic of acid exposure from these conditions. Therefore, recognizing the role of diet-related behaviors and medical conditions like bulimia and GERD is crucial in understanding the causes of dental erosion in clinical practice.