, CHAPTER LIST
Chapter 1: Eating 101
Chapter 2: Carbohydrates
Chapter 3: Protein
Chapter 4: Lipids
Chapter 5: Vitamins
Chapter 6: Minerals
Chapter 7: Water
Chapter 8: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
Chapter 9: Diet and Dental Caries
Chapter 10: Nutrition and Periodontal Disease
Chapter 11: Choosing Foods for Health and Fitness
Chapter 12: Reading Labels
Chapter 13: Nutrient Needs for Development and Maintenance of Oral
Structures
Chapter 14: Dietary Considerations for the Life Cycle
Chapter 15: Eating Disorders
Chapter 16: Nutritional Counseling
Chapter 17: Nutritional Considerations for Special Population Groups
Chapter 18: Nutritive Value of Complimentary Therapies for Oral Care
,Chapter 1: Eating 101
Question 1
During a dietary screening, a patient mentions they have significantly reduced
all carbohydrate intake to lose weight. How should the dental professional
explain the primary role of carbohydrates in maintaining oral tissue integrity?
A) They provide the building blocks for collagen synthesis in the periodontal
ligament.
B) They are the primary source of fuel for the brain and are "protein-sparing,"
allowing protein to be used for tissue repair.
C) They act as the main solvent for fat-soluble vitamins needed for alveolar
bone density.
D) They regulate the pH of saliva by increasing the concentration of urea.
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source; when intake
is insufficient, the body metabolizes protein (gluconeogenesis) for energy
instead of using it for tissue maintenance and repair of the oral mucosa.
Key words: Protein-sparing, Tissue repair, Energy metabolism.
Question 2
A patient presents with delayed wound healing following a scaling and root
planing (SRP) procedure. Which nutrient deficiency should the dental
professional prioritize for discussion during the nutritional counseling session?
A) Vitamin K
B) Simple Sugars
C) High-quality Protein
D) Insoluble Fiber
Answer: C
,Rationale: Protein is essential for the synthesis of new cells, collagen
formation, and immune function; a deficiency directly impairs the
inflammatory response and the regeneration of periodontal tissues post-
treatment.
Key words: Wound healing, Collagen, Periodontal repair.
Question 3
When performing a dietary analysis, you notice a patient consumes high
amounts of ultra-processed foods. Which "Eating 101" concept is most relevant
when explaining the systemic-oral connection to this patient?
A) These foods typically have a high nutrient density that strengthens enamel.
B) These foods often contribute to systemic inflammation, which can
exacerbate periodontal disease.
C) Ultra-processed foods increase the buffering capacity of the saliva.
D) The lack of protein in these foods prevents the formation of dental pellicle.
Answer: B
Rationale: Diets high in refined carbohydrates and processed fats are
associated with increased systemic markers of inflammation (like CRP), which
can heighten the body’s inflammatory response to dental plaque.
Key words: Systemic inflammation, Ultra-processed foods, Periodontal disease.
Question 4
A patient asks why "micronutrients" are important if they only need them in
small amounts. Which response best illustrates their role in oral health?
A) They provide the caloric energy needed for chewing.
B) They act as catalysts for metabolic reactions, such as the mineralization of
tooth enamel.
C) They make up the bulk of the hydroxyapatite crystal structure.
D) They are the primary source of glucose for oral bacteria.
Answer: B
,Rationale: Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) do not provide energy
themselves but are essential cofactors and coenzymes that allow the body to
perform vital functions, including the synthesis and maintenance of oral
structures.
Key words: Catalysts, Cofactors, Biomineralization.
Question 5
In a technique rationale for patient counseling, why is it recommended to ask a
patient to keep a 3- to 7-day food diary rather than just a 24-hour recall?
A) It takes 7 days for the pH of the mouth to change based on diet.
B) A longer diary captures patterns of frequency and variety that a single day
might miss.
C) Patients are more likely to be honest if they have to write it down for a week.
D) It allows the dental professional to calculate the exact number of calories
burned.
Answer: B
Rationale: Dental caries risk is more closely tied to the frequency of intake and
consistency of habits rather than a single day’s data; a multi-day diary
provides a more representative view of the patient’s nutritional status.
Key words: Dietary analysis, Frequency of intake, Caries risk.
Question 6
Which component of a "balanced plate" is most critical for the development of
the salivary glands and the production of salivary enzymes?
A) Saturated fats
B) Complex carbohydrates
C) Proteins
D) Sodium
Answer: C
, Rationale: Salivary glands are highly active tissues, and saliva contains
numerous proteins and enzymes (like amylase and lysozyme) that require an
adequate supply of amino acids for continuous production.
Key words: Saliva production, Enzymes, Amino acids.
Question 7
A patient presents with angular cheilitis and a "burning tongue." Before
referring to a specialist, which nutritional category should you screen for in
their diet?
A) Excessive lipid intake
B) B-complex vitamin deficiency
C) Lack of insoluble fiber
D) Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins
Answer: B
Rationale: The oral mucosa has a high turnover rate; deficiencies in B-complex
vitamins (often found in "Eating 101" overviews of micronutrients) frequently
manifest first in the oral cavity as glossitis or cheilitis.
Key words: B-complex, Oral mucosa turnover, Glossitis.
Question 8
During nutritional counseling, you identify that a patient drinks four energy
drinks daily. What is the most effective practical application of the "Nutrient
Density" concept for this patient?
A) Suggesting they switch to diet soda because it has no calories.
B) Explaining that these drinks provide "empty calories" that offer no
nutritional support for oral tissue health.
C) Telling them to drink the energy drink through a straw to avoid the teeth.
D) Recommending they take a multivitamin to cancel out the sugar.
Answer: B
Chapter 1: Eating 101
Chapter 2: Carbohydrates
Chapter 3: Protein
Chapter 4: Lipids
Chapter 5: Vitamins
Chapter 6: Minerals
Chapter 7: Water
Chapter 8: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
Chapter 9: Diet and Dental Caries
Chapter 10: Nutrition and Periodontal Disease
Chapter 11: Choosing Foods for Health and Fitness
Chapter 12: Reading Labels
Chapter 13: Nutrient Needs for Development and Maintenance of Oral
Structures
Chapter 14: Dietary Considerations for the Life Cycle
Chapter 15: Eating Disorders
Chapter 16: Nutritional Counseling
Chapter 17: Nutritional Considerations for Special Population Groups
Chapter 18: Nutritive Value of Complimentary Therapies for Oral Care
,Chapter 1: Eating 101
Question 1
During a dietary screening, a patient mentions they have significantly reduced
all carbohydrate intake to lose weight. How should the dental professional
explain the primary role of carbohydrates in maintaining oral tissue integrity?
A) They provide the building blocks for collagen synthesis in the periodontal
ligament.
B) They are the primary source of fuel for the brain and are "protein-sparing,"
allowing protein to be used for tissue repair.
C) They act as the main solvent for fat-soluble vitamins needed for alveolar
bone density.
D) They regulate the pH of saliva by increasing the concentration of urea.
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source; when intake
is insufficient, the body metabolizes protein (gluconeogenesis) for energy
instead of using it for tissue maintenance and repair of the oral mucosa.
Key words: Protein-sparing, Tissue repair, Energy metabolism.
Question 2
A patient presents with delayed wound healing following a scaling and root
planing (SRP) procedure. Which nutrient deficiency should the dental
professional prioritize for discussion during the nutritional counseling session?
A) Vitamin K
B) Simple Sugars
C) High-quality Protein
D) Insoluble Fiber
Answer: C
,Rationale: Protein is essential for the synthesis of new cells, collagen
formation, and immune function; a deficiency directly impairs the
inflammatory response and the regeneration of periodontal tissues post-
treatment.
Key words: Wound healing, Collagen, Periodontal repair.
Question 3
When performing a dietary analysis, you notice a patient consumes high
amounts of ultra-processed foods. Which "Eating 101" concept is most relevant
when explaining the systemic-oral connection to this patient?
A) These foods typically have a high nutrient density that strengthens enamel.
B) These foods often contribute to systemic inflammation, which can
exacerbate periodontal disease.
C) Ultra-processed foods increase the buffering capacity of the saliva.
D) The lack of protein in these foods prevents the formation of dental pellicle.
Answer: B
Rationale: Diets high in refined carbohydrates and processed fats are
associated with increased systemic markers of inflammation (like CRP), which
can heighten the body’s inflammatory response to dental plaque.
Key words: Systemic inflammation, Ultra-processed foods, Periodontal disease.
Question 4
A patient asks why "micronutrients" are important if they only need them in
small amounts. Which response best illustrates their role in oral health?
A) They provide the caloric energy needed for chewing.
B) They act as catalysts for metabolic reactions, such as the mineralization of
tooth enamel.
C) They make up the bulk of the hydroxyapatite crystal structure.
D) They are the primary source of glucose for oral bacteria.
Answer: B
,Rationale: Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) do not provide energy
themselves but are essential cofactors and coenzymes that allow the body to
perform vital functions, including the synthesis and maintenance of oral
structures.
Key words: Catalysts, Cofactors, Biomineralization.
Question 5
In a technique rationale for patient counseling, why is it recommended to ask a
patient to keep a 3- to 7-day food diary rather than just a 24-hour recall?
A) It takes 7 days for the pH of the mouth to change based on diet.
B) A longer diary captures patterns of frequency and variety that a single day
might miss.
C) Patients are more likely to be honest if they have to write it down for a week.
D) It allows the dental professional to calculate the exact number of calories
burned.
Answer: B
Rationale: Dental caries risk is more closely tied to the frequency of intake and
consistency of habits rather than a single day’s data; a multi-day diary
provides a more representative view of the patient’s nutritional status.
Key words: Dietary analysis, Frequency of intake, Caries risk.
Question 6
Which component of a "balanced plate" is most critical for the development of
the salivary glands and the production of salivary enzymes?
A) Saturated fats
B) Complex carbohydrates
C) Proteins
D) Sodium
Answer: C
, Rationale: Salivary glands are highly active tissues, and saliva contains
numerous proteins and enzymes (like amylase and lysozyme) that require an
adequate supply of amino acids for continuous production.
Key words: Saliva production, Enzymes, Amino acids.
Question 7
A patient presents with angular cheilitis and a "burning tongue." Before
referring to a specialist, which nutritional category should you screen for in
their diet?
A) Excessive lipid intake
B) B-complex vitamin deficiency
C) Lack of insoluble fiber
D) Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins
Answer: B
Rationale: The oral mucosa has a high turnover rate; deficiencies in B-complex
vitamins (often found in "Eating 101" overviews of micronutrients) frequently
manifest first in the oral cavity as glossitis or cheilitis.
Key words: B-complex, Oral mucosa turnover, Glossitis.
Question 8
During nutritional counseling, you identify that a patient drinks four energy
drinks daily. What is the most effective practical application of the "Nutrient
Density" concept for this patient?
A) Suggesting they switch to diet soda because it has no calories.
B) Explaining that these drinks provide "empty calories" that offer no
nutritional support for oral tissue health.
C) Telling them to drink the energy drink through a straw to avoid the teeth.
D) Recommending they take a multivitamin to cancel out the sugar.
Answer: B
