A 40-year-old member asked:
Can tetracycline cause tooth discoloration?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Daniel Rubensteinanswered
Dentistry 53 years experience
Tetracycline stain: Tetracycline stained teeth occurs when this antibiotic is taken when you still have your baby teeth, and the permanent teeth are still forming.
It causes a developmental defect in the enamal and the deeper layers of the tooth in the form of dark brown or gray staining. This is known as intrinsic staining because it comes from within the tooth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Shawn Murrayanswered
Dentistry 17 years experience
Tetracycline: Yes, this antibiotic has the tendency to discolor teeth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Thomas Stelmachanswered
41 years experience
Yes - in children: It only discolors teeth when the teeth are developing. If it's used in children the staining can be severe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
Is tetracycline tooth discoloration inheritable?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joel Doyonanswered
Dentistry - Cosmetic 38 years experience
No: No. You only get the discoloration if you take tetracycline during tooth formation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Is tooth discoloration in children only due to tetracycline?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Behram Dalalanswered
33 years experience
No: Tetracycline is not prescribed to children these days. Staining or malformation of teeth can also be due to genetic factors, medical factors, high fevers in infants / toddlers, fluorosis, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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