Hypophosphatasia — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardOral PathologyHypophosphatasiaNDEB AFK

Which of the following conditions is characterised by premature loss of primary teeth due to defective cementum and reduced alkaline phosphatase levels?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Hypophosphatasia

Hypophosphatasia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the ALPL gene, resulting in deficient tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). Reduced alkaline phosphatase impairs mineralisation of bone and cementum, leading to defective cementum formation and premature exfoliation of primary teeth (particularly incisors) with intact roots. Serum alkaline phosphatase is characteristically low. Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome also causes premature tooth loss but via severe periodontitis due to cathepsin C deficiency.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016