California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

Indications for tooth whitening are?

1. Extrinsic stains

2. Intrinsic stains

3. Cavities

4. Gingivitis

The correct answer is: Extrinsic stains

The primary indication for tooth whitening is the presence of extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains typically result from external factors such as food, drinks, and tobacco, which can cause discoloration on the surface of the teeth. Tooth whitening treatments are specifically designed to address these superficial stains by utilizing bleaching agents that penetrate the enamel and lift the discoloration, resulting in a brighter smile. While intrinsic stains, which originate from within the tooth due to factors like trauma, genetics, or certain medications, can sometimes be treated, they often require different approaches than standard whitening procedures, such as veneers or bonding, as whitening agents may not effectively address them. Cavities and gingivitis are conditions that require dental treatment, not cosmetic whitening, as they are indicative of underlying oral health issues that need addressing prior to consideration of any whitening procedures. Therefore, focusing on extrinsic stains aligns directly with the objectives of tooth whitening treatments.