Which statement about enamel pearls is true?

Which statement about enamel pearls is true?

• A. Enamel pearls are composed of enamel with a dentin core
• B. Enamel pearls are caused by fluoride exposure
• C. Enamel pearls are a form of root caries
• D. Enamel pearls are gingival overgrowths

Answer: (A)

Enamel pearls are small nodules that form on tooth roots, most often near the furcations of molars. Histologically, they are primarily enamel arranged around a central core of dentin. That central dentin core distinguishes enamel pearls from other calcified forms and explains why the statement describing them as enamel with a dentin core is correct. They’re not caused by fluoride exposure, not a form of root caries, and not gingival overgrowths, which is why those options don’t fit.

Enamel pearls are small nodules that form on tooth roots, most often near the furcations of molars. Histologically, they are primarily enamel arranged around a central core of dentin. That central dentin core distinguishes enamel pearls from other calcified forms and explains why the statement describing them as enamel with a dentin core is correct. They’re not caused by fluoride exposure, not a form of root caries, and not gingival overgrowths, which is why those options don’t fit.