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!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Why is it important to protect the lips with sunscreen?

  1. It enhances lip color

  2. Sun exposure increases the risk of cancerous changes

  3. It moisturizes the lips

  4. It prevents chapping

The correct answer is: Sun exposure increases the risk of cancerous changes

Protecting the lips with sunscreen is essential because sun exposure can significantly increase the risk of cancerous changes in the tissue of the lips. The skin on the lips is thinner and more susceptible to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Over time, repeated exposure to these harmful rays can lead to conditions like actinic cheilitis, which is a precancerous condition, and can eventually develop into lip cancer if not addressed. Applying sunscreen helps create a protective barrier that reduces the likelihood of UV damage, thus safeguarding the delicate lip tissue from these serious health risks. This preventive measure is especially crucial for individuals who spend considerable time outdoors, as sunburn can occur on the lips just as easily as it can on other areas of the skin. Maintaining lip health through proper protection is a vital aspect of overall oral health care.