Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

White spot lesions can be an early sign of which oral health issue?

1. Tooth decay

2. Gum disease

3. Canker sores

4. Chipped teeth

The correct answer is: Tooth decay

White spot lesions are considered an early indicator of tooth decay, specifically the initial stages of dental caries. When enamel begins to demineralize, it loses its normal translucency and appears as a white spot on the tooth surface. This is a sign that the enamel is undergoing changes due to the presence of acid-producing bacteria that thrive on dietary sugars. Left untreated, these white spots can progress into cavitated caries, leading to more significant tooth decay. The appearance of these lesions signifies that there has been a loss of minerals from the tooth surface and highlights a need for preventive measures. It is also important to note that while white spot lesions are specific to dental decay, other options present different oral health issues. For example, gum disease involves irritation and infection of the gums but does not typically manifest as white spots on the teeth, while canker sores are painful ulcers in the mouth with a different etiology. Chipped teeth also pertain to physical damage rather than a pathological process related to demineralization. Recognizing the presence of white spot lesions allows for early intervention, which can include fluoride treatments, dietary changes, and improved oral hygiene practices to reverse the demineralization process and prevent further decay.