Which statement explains why malocclusion may lead to tooth decay?

• A. It prevents cavities
• B. It improves alignment
• C. There is not enough room in the mouth and the teeth would rot, or fall out
• D. It causes teeth to become whiter

Answer: (C)

Malocclusion raises the risk of tooth decay because crowding and misalignment make it hard to clean teeth properly. When teeth don’t line up well or there isn’t enough space, plaque and food particles can get trapped in areas that brushes and floss can’t easily reach. That trapped plaque harbors bacteria that produce acids, which attack enamel and lead to cavities. Over time, if cleaning isn’t effective, decay can progress and teeth may become weak or damaged, sometimes requiring removal. The statement reflects this idea by pointing to crowding and the consequence of decay or tooth loss, which best captures how malocclusion creates a situation where decay is more likely. The other ideas—that malocclusion prevents cavities, improves alignment, or makes teeth whiter—don’t explain why decay would increase.