What does “Tetracycline tooth discoloration” mean?
Tetracycline tooth discoloration is an intrinsic color change associated with exposure to certain tetracycline-class antibiotics while teeth are developing. It may appear yellow, gray or brown; because the change occurs within the tooth, it differs from surface staining from coffee or tobacco.
It differs from staining removed by surface cleaning
Internal discoloration cannot be removed in the same way as external deposits through scaling or polishing alone. History and examination help distinguish color changes related to certain medicines during development from other developmental changes or current dental problems. Color alone cannot establish past medication use.
Do not assume every medicine in the class has the same risk
Exposure to older tetracycline-class medicines during development differs from short courses of doxycycline for particular infections. The CDC explains that dental staining has not been shown in children receiving doxycycline at the doses and durations used for rickettsial infections. Do not extend this finding to all medicines or all long-term use; discuss your prescription with the treating clinician.
Consider response and tooth preservation when improving color
Bleaching may improve the color, but the response and care needed vary with the type and severity of discoloration. A uniform color change over a short period is not guaranteed, and sensitivity or gum irritation should be monitored. Natural teeth and existing restorations do not respond alike, so assess color differences and consider preservation of healthy tissue if further restorative treatment is discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tetracycline discoloration completely unresponsive to whitening?
Not necessarily. Some discoloration may be reduced, but the response and time needed vary. Discuss the diagnosis, expected result and adverse effects together.
Should I avoid prescribed doxycycline because of tooth color?
Do not independently stop taking it or delay necessary treatment. Discuss your prescription with the clinician, taking account of the specific conditions covered by the CDC evidence on short courses for rickettsial infections.
Questions about medication-related discoloration
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Do the medication history and tooth findings support this cause?
Explanation and evidenceAssess timing and type of medication, the color pattern and other possible causes together.
American Dental Association · Intrinsic discoloration and whitening - Care after treatment
How will the expected bleaching response and color difference from restorations be assessed?
Explanation and evidencePlan with the severity of discoloration, sensitivity or irritation, and differences between natural teeth and restorations in mind.
American Dental Association · Intrinsic discoloration and whitening
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- American Dental Association · Intrinsic discoloration and whiteningada.org (opens in a new tab)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Doxycycline and tooth staining researchcdc.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Tetracycline use and tooth developmentcdc.gov (opens in a new tab)
