Coronal Polish Certification Practice Test

Environmental sources cause which type of stains?

1. Intrinsic stains

2. Extrinsic stains

3. Natural stains

4. Intraoral stains

The correct answer is: Extrinsic stains

Environmental sources are responsible for extrinsic stains, which develop on the outer surface of the teeth. These stains are typically caused by external factors such as food, beverages, tobacco use, and poor oral hygiene. Unlike intrinsic stains, which originate from within the tooth due to issues like trauma, aging, or certain medications, extrinsic stains can often be removed or minimized through professional dental cleaning and good oral hygiene practices. In this context, recognizing that extrinsic stains are the result of environmental influences highlights the importance of managing dietary choices and lifestyle habits to maintain a brighter, healthier smile. Other types of stains, such as intrinsic or intraoral, may not be linked to external factors and therefore do not classify under the environmental cause category. Understanding these distinctions helps in developing effective stain prevention strategies.