Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) with our comprehensive practice test. Study effectively with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam and secure your future in dentistry!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary function of saliva in oral health?

It helps in digestion
It eliminates bad breath
It protects against tooth decay
It provides minerals to the bones

The correct answer is: It protects against tooth decay

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, with its primary function being to protect against tooth decay. It does this in several ways. Saliva is rich in minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which are essential for the remineralization of tooth enamel. This process helps to repair the early stages of tooth decay and strengthens the enamel against future acid attacks from food and bacteria. Additionally, saliva acts as a natural buffer to maintain a neutral pH in the mouth, countering acidity that can lead to demineralization of teeth. It also helps wash away food particles and bacteria, reducing plaque formation and, consequently, the risk of cavities and gum disease. While saliva does aid in digestion and can have some impact on reducing bad breath, its foremost protective role against tooth decay highlights why it is considered the primary function in the context of oral health. The idea that saliva provides minerals to bones is not accurate as the primary function of saliva relates specifically to oral and dental tissues, not bone health.