Which type of stain can be removed from the surface of the teeth?

Extrinsic stains are those that occur on the outer surface of the teeth and are typically caused by factors such as consuming certain foods and beverages, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. These stains can be effectively removed through professional dental cleaning, regular brushing, and other oral hygiene practices.

In contrast, intrinsic stains, which originate from within the tooth structure due to factors like trauma, aging, or exposure to certain medications during tooth development, cannot be removed by surface cleaning techniques. Endogenous stains specifically refer to stains that develop due to systemic conditions or genetic factors that cause discoloration from within the tooth. Persistent stains tend to refer to those that remain despite attempts at removal, often signaling more serious underlying issues.

For effective management of tooth stains, it is important to distinguish between extrinsic and intrinsic factors so that the appropriate cleaning methods or treatments can be implemented.