Caries: Stephan curve: 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 · Caries: Stephan curve

Sample item

What does the Stephan curve describe?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Fall and recovery of plaque pH after sugar exposure

The Stephan curve shows how plaque pH drops after fermentable carbohydrate exposure and then recovers through salivary buffering. Frequent sugar intake prolongs time below the critical pH for enamel.

Option by option

  • A. Salivary-flow measurement at rest

    Salivary flow affects the curve but is not its definition.

  • B. Age-related tooth eruption sequence

    Eruption timing is not described by this curve.

  • C. Rate of periodontal bone loss only

    Bone loss is a periodontal measure.

  • D. Fall and recovery of plaque pH after sugar exposure (correct)

    Correct. It links sugar exposure to transient cariogenic pH changes.

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.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Fall and recovery of plaque pH after sugar exposure. The Stephan curve shows how plaque pH drops after fermentable carbohydrate exposure and then recovers through salivary buffering.

Why is "Salivary-flow measurement at rest" not the answer?

Salivary flow affects the curve but is not its definition.

Why is "Age-related tooth eruption sequence" not the answer?

Eruption timing is not described by this curve.

Why is "Rate of periodontal bone loss only" not the answer?

Bone loss is a periodontal measure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Caries: Stephan curve in Dentistry. Frequent sugar intake prolongs time below the critical pH for enamel.

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 Caries: Stephan curve?

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.