What are exogenous stains primarily caused by?

Exogenous stains are primarily caused by environmental sources, which include substances that come from outside the body and attach to the teeth. These stains can arise from various factors such as food, beverages (like coffee and red wine), tobacco use, or certain medications. Unlike intrinsic stains, which originate from within the tooth due to conditions such as developmental issues or exposure to certain drugs during tooth formation, exogenous stains are external. Understanding the source of these stains is crucial for dental professionals in order to employ appropriate polishing and whitening techniques to restore the aesthetic appearance of the teeth.

Other options like intrinsic sources, intrinsic stains, and genetic factors focus on internal causes or biological mechanisms, which do not accurately describe the primary cause of exogenous stains.