Oral cavity – common problems related to teeth and gums MCQs With Answer

The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem where teeth, gums and oral mucosa interact with saliva, biofilm and systemic health. For B. Pharm students, understanding common problems related to teeth and gums — dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral candidiasis, drug‑induced gingival changes and xerostomia — is essential for rational pharmacotherapy, patient counseling and safe use of analgesics, antibiotics, antifungals, local anesthetics and fluoride agents. This collection focuses on pathology, microbial etiology, pharmacological management, adverse effects and preventive strategies relevant to dental practice and pharmacy care. Clear knowledge of drug choices, contraindications and topical formulations helps optimize oral health outcomes. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which microorganism is most strongly associated with the initiation of dental caries?

• Porphyromonas gingivalis
• Streptococcus mutans
• Enterococcus faecalis
• Candida albicans

Correct Answer: Streptococcus mutans

Q2. The primary aetiological factor for gingivitis is:

• Systemic vitamin deficiency
• Plaque accumulation
• Traumatic tooth brushing
• Antibiotic therapy

Correct Answer: Plaque accumulation

Q3. Which clinical feature best distinguishes periodontitis from gingivitis?

• Bleeding on probing
• Gingival redness
• Alveolar bone loss and attachment loss
• Mucosal ulceration

Correct Answer: Alveolar bone loss and attachment loss

Q4. Which topical fluoride formulation is commonly used for remineralization and caries prevention?

• Sodium fluoride
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Chlorhexidine gluconate
• Calcium hydroxide

Correct Answer: Sodium fluoride

Q5. What is the primary antimicrobial mechanism of chlorhexidine in oral care?

• Enzyme inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis
• Disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity
• Neutralization of endotoxins
• Chelation of essential metal ions

Correct Answer: Disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity

Q6. Which drug is classically associated with gingival hyperplasia?

• Amoxicillin
• Phenytoin
• Ibuprofen
• Metronidazole

Correct Answer: Phenytoin

Q7. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is most commonly linked to which class of systemic drugs?

• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• Bisphosphonates
• Proton pump inhibitors
• ACE inhibitors

Correct Answer: Bisphosphonates

Q8. Which topical oral anesthetic is most frequently implicated in methemoglobinemia?

• Lidocaine
• Benzocaine
• Procaine
• Prilocaine

Correct Answer: Benzocaine

Q9. The most common fungal infection of the oral cavity is:

• Histoplasmosis
• Aspergillosis
• Oral candidiasis (thrush)
• Cryptococcosis

Correct Answer: Oral candidiasis (thrush)

Q10. First‑line topical therapy for mild oral candidiasis is:

• Fluconazole oral tablets
• Nystatin oral suspension
• Amphotericin B systemic infusion
• Clotrimazole IV

Correct Answer: Nystatin oral suspension

Q11. For moderate to severe oral candidiasis in immunocompromised patients, the systemic antifungal of choice is usually:

• Griseofulvin
• Fluconazole
• Terbinafine
• Ketoconazole syrup

Correct Answer: Fluconazole

Q12. Which symptom is most indicative of irreversible pulpitis?

• Intermittent sensitivity to cold that resolves quickly
• Severe spontaneous tooth pain and nocturnal pain
• Pain only on gentle touch
• No pain but visible discoloration

Correct Answer: Severe spontaneous tooth pain and nocturnal pain

Q13. DMFT index in dental epidemiology measures:

• Dentin, Mucosa, Fissures, Tartar
• Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth
• Dry mouth, Mucositis, Fluorosis, Trauma
• Depth of pockets, Mobility, Furcation involvement

Correct Answer: Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth

Q14. A common adverse effect of long‑term chlorhexidine mouthwash use is:

• Increased caries risk
• Teeth and tongue staining
• Systemic immunosuppression
• Severe enamel erosion

Correct Answer: Teeth and tongue staining

Q15. For moderate dental pain after extraction, the preferred initial analgesic class is:

• Opioids only
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen
• Antihistamines
• Topical steroids

Correct Answer: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen

Q16. First‑line antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated odontogenic infections is typically:

• Amoxicillin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Tetracycline
• Sulfasalazine

Correct Answer: Amoxicillin

Q17. For a patient with a true penicillin allergy and severe odontogenic infection, the recommended alternative is:

• Amoxicillin‑clavulanate
• Clindamycin
• Azithromycin intravenous
• Doxycycline topical

Correct Answer: Clindamycin

Q18. Which local antimicrobial is formulated as microspheres for subgingival delivery in periodontitis?

• Minocycline microspheres
• Metronidazole chewable tablets
• Chlorhexidine gel tablets
• Amoxicillin lozenges

Correct Answer: Minocycline microspheres

Q19. Dental plaque is best described as:

• A sterile protein film
• A bacterial biofilm adherent to tooth surfaces
• Dead epithelial cell aggregates only
• Calcified salivary deposits exclusively

Correct Answer: A bacterial biofilm adherent to tooth surfaces

Q20. A common pharmacological cause of xerostomia (dry mouth) is:

• Beta‑lactam antibiotics
• Anticholinergic medications
• Topical fluoride
• Antifungals

Correct Answer: Anticholinergic medications

Q21. Fluoride protects enamel mainly by:

• Directly killing all oral bacteria
• Promoting remineralization and inhibiting demineralization
• Acting as a systemic antibiotic
• Raising plaque pH above 9

Correct Answer: Promoting remineralization and inhibiting demineralization

Q22. Which organism is most commonly recovered from persistent root canal infections?

• Streptococcus mutans
• Enterococcus faecalis
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Candida albicans

Correct Answer: Enterococcus faecalis

Q23. Systemic antibiotics are indicated in odontogenic infections when:

• There is localized tooth pain only
• There is systemic involvement such as fever or spreading cellulitis
• A tooth is discolored but asymptomatic
• Only for all routine scaling procedures

Correct Answer: There is systemic involvement such as fever or spreading cellulitis

Q24. Which mouthwash is considered the gold standard adjunct for short‑term control of gingivitis?

• Sodium lauryl sulfate rinse
• Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%
• Salt water only
• Hydrogen peroxide 3% daily

Correct Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%

Q25. How does poorly controlled diabetes mellitus affect periodontal disease?

• Decreases susceptibility to periodontal pathogens
• Increases risk and severity of periodontitis
• Has no effect on periodontal status
• Prevents gingival bleeding

Correct Answer: Increases risk and severity of periodontitis

Q26. Herpetic gingivostomatitis of the oral cavity is caused by which virus?

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‑1)
• Coxsackievirus A
• Epstein‑Barr virus

Correct Answer: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‑1)

Q27. A key oral adverse effect of systemic tetracycline use in children is:

• Enamel hypoplasia without discoloration
• Permanent tooth staining (discoloration)
• Increased salivary flow
• Hypercementosis

Correct Answer: Permanent tooth staining (discoloration)

Q28. Epinephrine‑containing local anesthetics are relatively contraindicated in patients with:

• Well‑controlled hypothyroidism
• Uncontrolled hypertension or recent myocardial infarction
• Mild seasonal allergies
• Untreated dental caries only

Correct Answer: Uncontrolled hypertension or recent myocardial infarction

Q29. Glossitis and paresthesia of the tongue are classic signs of deficiency of which vitamin?

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K

Correct Answer: Vitamin B12

Q30. Periodontal pocket depth is clinically assessed using which instrument?

• Explorer
• Periodontal probe
• Endodontic file
• Articulating paper

Correct Answer: Periodontal probe

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