Periodontology: gingivitis: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Periodontology: gingivitis

Sample item

A patient has bleeding on brushing, erythematous swollen gingiva, and no clinical attachment loss or alveolar bone loss. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Plaque-induced gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation limited to the gingiva and is reversible with effective plaque control. Attachment and bone loss distinguish periodontitis.

Option by option

  • A. Periapical abscess

    A periapical abscess originates at the tooth apex and causes localized acute infection.

  • B. Plaque-induced gingivitis (correct)

    Correct. Inflammation without attachment loss is gingivitis.

  • C. Oral candidiasis

    Candidiasis commonly causes removable white plaques or erythematous soreness.

  • D. Periodontitis

    Periodontitis includes loss of periodontal attachment and supporting bone.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Plaque-induced gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation limited to the gingiva and is reversible with effective plaque control.

Why is "Periapical abscess" not the answer?

A periapical abscess originates at the tooth apex and causes localized acute infection.

Why is "Oral candidiasis" not the answer?

Candidiasis commonly causes removable white plaques or erythematous soreness.

Why is "Periodontitis" not the answer?

Periodontitis includes loss of periodontal attachment and supporting bone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Periodontology: gingivitis in Dentistry. Attachment and bone loss distinguish periodontitis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Periodontology: gingivitis?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.