Caries Definition — MFDS 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 — A biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial disease with dynamic demineralisation and remineralisation
Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as D
A is correct. UK guidance describes dental caries as a dynamic disease in which microorganisms within tooth-surface biofilm metabolise dietary sugars and produce acids. Repeated acidification shifts the balance towards demineralisation; remineralisation can predominate when cariogenic challenges are controlled and protective factors such as saliva and fluoride are present. Genetic factors may modify susceptibility but are not the sole cause, so B is incorrect. Caries reflects ecological change within a microbial community rather than invasion by one organism, excluding C. D more closely describes dental erosion, which does not require plaque biofilm. E is incorrect because uncomplicated caries is not an acute infection and systemic antibiotics do not treat the underlying caries process.
Reference: Department of Health and Social Care, Welsh Government, Department of Health Northern Ireland and NHS England. Delivering Better Oral Health: Chapter 4—Dental caries, Introduction, updated 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention/chapter-4-dental-caries