White Spot Lesions — ORE Part 1 MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Plaque-related enamel demineralisation
The correct answer is B. White spot lesions are early, non-cavitated enamel caries lesions caused by subsurface demineralisation. Fixed brackets retain plaque and make cleaning more difficult; bacterial acid production within this biofilm causes local enamel mineral loss, typically adjacent to brackets on labial anterior surfaces. SDCEP classifies white spot lesions as areas of enamel demineralisation. Fluorosis is a developmental enamel defect caused by excess fluoride during tooth formation, not by an orthodontic bonding agent. Hypersensitivity to bracket materials affects soft tissues rather than producing focal enamel opacities. Acid etching is confined to the bonding procedure and does not cause progressive lesions around brackets. Archwires do not cause intrinsic enamel staining.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme. Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children, 2nd edition, section 8.3.1: initial anterior caries describes white spot lesions as areas of demineralisation confined to enamel, 2018. https://www.sdcep.org.uk/media/2zbkrdkg/sdcep-prevention-and-management-of-dental-caries-in-children-2nd-edition.pdf