Why Do Some Medicines Cause Staining on Your Teeth?
Posted on 8/24/2020 by Office - Boone DMD
Some antibiotic medicines and antihistamines cause tooth staining. In most cases, these stains are not surface stains, but occur inside the enamel, giving off a gray or brownish hue. The amount of staining that develops depends on your genetic predisposition or the thickness of your enamel. The following information explains how staining can develop.
When Staining from Medicines Frequently Occurs
Intrinsic permanent tooth stains often occur during tooth development when antibiotics of the tetracycline class are prescribed. The medicine binds to calcium and is then deposited in developing bones and teeth. Surface staining can also occur from beta-lactam and tetracycline antibiotics. In this case, discoloration may result from the build-up of deposits on a tooth's surface, thereby causing grey, yellow, or brown staining to occur. The use of too much fluoride can also cause problems with intrinsic stains.
What Can Be Done About Extrinsic (Surface) or Intrinsic (Internal) Stains?
Whether they are surface stains or internal stains, tooth stains can be removed, either through regular dental care or professional intervention. In the case of surface stains, we recommend regular professional cleanings and daily flossing and brushing. Also, it helps to stay away from foods or beverages, such as coffee or chocolate, that darken the teeth's surface. If you are currently taking a medicine that is causing staining, you may want to ask the doctor to adjust your medication or switch it out. However, don't stop taking the medicine. If you have intrinsic stains, we may recommend an in-office whitening or the use of restorations, such as veneers.
Normally, we find, it is easier to remove stains from yellow teeth than from grayish or brownish teeth. Therefore, the whitening method we use depends on the nature of the discoloration, the reason, and the type of stain (intrinsic or extrinsic). If you have concerns along these lines, give us a call today. We want to make it easy for you to smile.
Some antibiotic medicines and antihistamines cause tooth staining. In most cases, these stains are not surface stains, but occur inside the enamel, giving off a gray or brownish hue. The amount of staining that develops depends on your genetic predisposition or the thickness of your enamel. The following information explains how staining can develop.