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Periodontics · single question

All of the following can cause interproximal (surface/extrinsic) staining EXCEPT:

  1. Tetracycline
  2. Chromogenic bacteria
  3. Chlorhexidine rinse
  4. Coffee, tea, and tobacco
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Tetracycline

  • A. Correct (the EXCEPTION). Tetracycline causes intrinsic discoloration by incorporating into mineralizing dentin during development — not a surface interproximal stain.
  • B. Incorrect. Chromogenic bacteria classically produce extrinsic (often green/orange/black) surface stains.
  • C. Incorrect. Chlorhexidine causes characteristic brown extrinsic staining.
  • D. Incorrect. Dietary chromogens and tobacco are common extrinsic surface stains.

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