HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a chancre?

1. A type of dental filling

2. An ulcer

3. A gum disease

4. A tooth decay process

The correct answer is: An ulcer

A chancre is an ulceration, specifically a type of sore that can occur in the body, commonly associated with syphilis. The primary chancre appears at the site of infection and is typically a painless lesion that can develop on the genitals, anus, or mouth. Understanding this term is important in a broader medical and dental context, as recognizing ulcerative lesions can be crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. The other options center around dental issues, which while critical to oral health, do not accurately describe a chancre. Dental filling refers to restorative material used to repair a tooth, gum disease refers to conditions affecting the gums, and tooth decay represents the process of demineralization of tooth enamel leading to cavities. None of these definitions align with the medical definition of a chancre, reinforcing why the correct choice is significant in distinguishing between different health conditions and their terminologies.