All of the following contribute to the breakdown of teeth following radiation therapy to the head and neck except:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radiation therapy causes very little direct damage to the tooth structure. The breakdown of the teeth is related to salivary gland dysfunction and thus decreased minerals, and increased acidity of the mouth when the radiation therapy results in thick and viscous saliva. The combination of the lack of minerals available from the saliva resulting in decreased remineralization, increased acidity of the mouth, and poor oral hygiene directly contribute to the breakdown of enamel and resulting caries.

All of the Following Contribute to the Breakdown of Teeth