Root caries are more likely to occur in patients with which condition?

• A. Gingival recession
• B. Fluoride deficiency
• C. Bruxism
• D. Orthodontic malocclusion

Answer: (A)

Root caries appear on exposed root surfaces, where enamel protection is absent. Gingival recession exposes cementum and dentin, which are softer and less resistant to acid than enamel. Cementum is relatively easily dissolved by acids, and dentin tubules allow acids to diffuse quickly, so caries progress more readily on roots than on crowns. That direct exposure from recession is the main reason root caries are more likely. Other options may influence oral health in different ways—bruxism relates to wear, orthodontic malocclusion can create plaque traps, and fluoride deficiency raises caries risk in general—but they don’t specifically create the exposed root surface that drives root caries.