Tetracyclines and Tooth Discolouration

COCOCHANEL

Tetracyclines are a relatively popular line of oral antibiotic often administered for acne. Other names include minocycline and doxycycline.

Tetracyclines and Tooth Discolouration

These antibiotics are known to cause unsightly discolouration in teeth, especially those that are forming or have recently formed at the time of administration. It's not just the enamel but also the dentine (inside material) which is affected.

Despite only taking this partially synthetic antibiotic off and on for 8 months or so between the ages of 14-16, my third molars which started erupting 10 years later, are quite discoloured. I was not informed of this side effect. Apparently discolouration of already formed teeth and bones happens too. This can occur even years after stopping dosage. Caution should be applied when taking these medications.

”It is well known that tetracyclines can lead to teeth staining before the age of eight years. Similarly, it is recognised that up to the age of 16 years staining of third molar crowns can occur. After the age of 16 years typically third molar roots are only affected. Our case demonstrates that staining of third molar crowns is possible beyond the age of 16 years. The ubiquitous prescribing of minocycline in the adolescent population of 16 years and above, as a first-line agent for papulopustular acne, generates significant concern as there is the potential to permanently stain unerupted teeth and cause an enduring cosmetic defect. This issue seems to be largely unreported and the product information for minocycline is currently inadequate in regard to providing adequate information about the risks of teeth staining across the different age groups.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4422954/#!po=40.7895

Tetracyclines and Tooth Discolouration
3 Opinion