Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

How can diet impact oral health?

1. A diet high in calcium strengthens teeth

2. A diet high in sugars promotes tooth decay

3. A diet rich in fiber prevents gum disease

4. A diet low in protein affects jaw growth

The correct answer is: A diet high in sugars promotes tooth decay

A diet high in sugars promotes tooth decay primarily because sugar serves as a food source for bacteria that reside in the mouth. When these bacteria metabolize sugar, they produce acids as metabolic byproducts, which can erode enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth. This process leads to demineralization and, over time, may result in cavities. Sugar consumption not only contributes to the direct decay of teeth but can also facilitate further bacterial growth, leading to an increase in plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. This plaque accumulation can eventually cause gum disease if not properly managed through regular dental hygiene practices. The context for the other options lies in their relation to oral health, but they do not emphasize the immediacy and direct correlation seen with sugar's effect. For instance, while calcium is vital for dental health, its immediate impact on preventing decay is not as pronounced as high sugar levels' ability to promote it. Likewise, fiber's role in preventing gum disease is supportive but not as direct as the destructive process sugar initiates. A low protein diet can influence overall oral and jaw health, but again, its consequences do not equate to the direct mechanism of decay instigated by sugar intake.