Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is a common sign of occlusal wear on teeth?

1. Excessive staining

2. Shiny surfaces

3. Visible fractures

4. Increased sensitivity

The correct answer is: Shiny surfaces

A common sign of occlusal wear on teeth is the presence of shiny surfaces. When teeth experience occlusal wear due to grinding or excessive biting forces, the enamel can become polished, leading to a shiny appearance. This occurs because the surface of the enamel is smoothed down, which can give it that lustrous look. This shiny texture is often indicative of the underlying wear that has occurred over time. While other signs of dental wear, such as fractures or increased sensitivity, can also be present, they are less directly associated with the specific change in surface texture seen in occlusal wear compared to the shininess of the enamel. Staining could occur due to various factors unrelated to the mechanical wear process itself.