National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Study with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your dental hygienist exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is a common feature of extrinsic stains on teeth?

Stains that are caused by internal factors
Stains that can be removed by professional cleaning
Stains that are permanently embedded in the tooth
Stains that require surgical intervention

The correct answer is: Stains that can be removed by professional cleaning

Extrinsic stains on teeth are specifically those that originate from external sources, such as food, beverages, tobacco, and poor oral hygiene. One of the defining characteristics of these types of stains is that they reside on the external surface of the tooth enamel and do not penetrate the tooth structure itself. Because of this, they can be effectively removed through professional cleaning methods, such as scaling or polishing performed by a dental hygienist. These stains are not influenced by internal factors, nor do they require invasive procedures like surgery to remove, making the understanding of their treatment crucial for dental professionals. Their removability is a significant aspect to emphasize regarding extrinsic stains and highlights the importance of regular dental cleanings to maintain oral health and aesthetics.