Coronal Polish Certification Practice Test

Exogenous stains are caused by what types of sources?

1. Intrinsic sources only

2. Extrinsic sources only

3. Environmental sources

4. Intrinsic and extrinsic sources

The correct answer is: Environmental sources

Exogenous stains are those that originate from external factors rather than from within the tooth structure itself. The correct answer, which refers to environmental sources, encompasses the various external elements that can lead to staining of the teeth. These can include substances such as food, beverages, tobacco, and other environmental factors that contribute to discoloration. Stains classified as exogenous are specifically caused by external interactions, rather than intrinsic sources, which refer to stains originating from internal factors like genetics, medication, or developmental issues related to the tooth itself. Therefore, recognizing that exogenous stains are primarily from environmental interactions is crucial in understanding their sources and the distinctions between different types of stains.