National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

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What is the general term used to describe inflammation and changes to the tongue?

  1. Glossitis

  2. Stomatitis

  3. Angina

  4. Phenomenon

The correct answer is: Glossitis

The term used to describe inflammation and changes to the tongue is glossitis. This condition can present as swelling, changes in color, or alterations in texture of the tongue surface. It is often related to various factors such as nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions, infections, or irritants. Glossitis can significantly affect oral health and comfort, leading to symptoms like pain, difficulty in swallowing, or changes in taste perception. Stomatitis refers to inflammation within the mouth, which can affect various structures, including the inner lining of the cheeks, gums, tongue, and lips, but it does not specifically refer to changes in the tongue alone. Angina is a term typically associated with chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart, unrelated to oral conditions. Phenomenon does not relate to a specific medical condition but instead is a general term that describes an observable event, making it unsuitable for describing tongue inflammation.