Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2025 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The presence of numerous white lesions in the oral cavity, especially following a course of antibiotics, points towards moniliasis, commonly known as candidiasis. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal oral flora, leading to an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that thrives in such conditions. This results in characteristic white lesions, often described as creamy or cottage cheese-like, which can be easily scraped off, revealing red, inflamed mucosa beneath.

Candidiasis is particularly common in individuals who are elderly or immunocompromised, which aligns with the scenario described. The lesions are typically located on the mucosa of the mouth, and when viewed, they appear as patches or plaques. Diagnosis can often be supported by clinical examination, and in some cases, a smear may be taken for confirmation.

Other conditions like oral lichen planus, oral thrush, and leukoplakia have different etiologies or presentations. Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that typically presents with lace-like white striations and is not directly linked to antibiotic use. Oral thrush is a term that is frequently used interchangeably with candidiasis but usually refers to more severe cases involving the esophagus. Leukoplakia, on the other hand, is a