Which factor is least likely to contribute to Nu mom's caries risk?

Which factor is least likely to contribute to Nu mom's caries risk?

• A. Eating an apple for a snack
• B. Snacking on soda between meals
• C. Regular brushing after meals
• D. Frequent sugar-containing beverages

Answer: (A)

Caries risk depends on how often teeth are exposed to fermentable carbohydrates and how well the mouth’s defenses—saliva and good oral hygiene—counteract acids. An apple as a snack introduces sugars, but its high water content and fiber, plus the chewing action that increases saliva flow, help neutralize acids and wash away sugars. This makes it less likely to contribute to caries risk compared with sugary drinks or snacks that linger and continually feed acid-producing bacteria. Regular brushing after meals is a protective habit that reduces risk, so among these options, the apple is the least likely to increase caries risk.

Caries risk depends on how often teeth are exposed to fermentable carbohydrates and how well the mouth’s defenses—saliva and good oral hygiene—counteract acids. An apple as a snack introduces sugars, but its high water content and fiber, plus the chewing action that increases saliva flow, help neutralize acids and wash away sugars. This makes it less likely to contribute to caries risk compared with sugary drinks or snacks that linger and continually feed acid-producing bacteria. Regular brushing after meals is a protective habit that reduces risk, so among these options, the apple is the least likely to increase caries risk.