Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

The presence of white spots on enamel is most prominently identified with white spot lesions, which are early signs of demineralization and can lead to dental caries if not addressed. These lesions occur due to a breakdown in the enamel structure, often as a result of acid exposure from plaque accumulation, poor oral hygiene, or dietary factors.

White spot lesions appear as opaque, or white-flecked areas on the teeth, indicating a loss of minerals from the enamel surface. They are particularly common on smooth surfaces of teeth and can also develop after orthodontic treatment due to difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene.

While the other conditions mentioned can also affect the appearance of enamel, they do not specifically describe the phenomenon of white spots. For instance, caries refer to cavities formed by decay rather than the initial white spots, enamel hypoplasia involves a developmental defect leading to a reduced amount of enamel, and fluorosis results from excessive fluoride leading to discoloration and possible pitting rather than the formation of isolated white lesions. Thus, the distinguishing feature of white spot lesions is their clear link to the presence of white spots on enamel.