Are you suffering from tetracycline stains? Tetracycline is an antibiotic that has been in use for over 60 years for a variety of infections including UTI’s (urinary tract infections), intra-abdominal infections, and other degenerate bacterial infections. Tetracycline has been associated with adverse side effects including permanent staining of the teeth. One of the first reported cases of tooth staining due to tetracycline use was in 1956. Since then tetracycline is no longer prescribed to pregnant mothers in their second and third trimesters, or in children under the age of 8. However, baby boomers and older adults may have already incurred staining due to tretracyline and today there is something they can do about it. Your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, discusses tetracycline stains and what you can do to get rid of them in today’s blog.
How Does Tetracycline Stain?
Tetracycline can stain teeth via oral administration and in utero. That’s why people who have never taken the antibiotic may still have stained teeth. Their mother’s were prescribed tetracycline while they were still in utero. If teeth are exposed during mineralization or calcification, the tetracycline binds to the calcium phosphate molecules in the teeth. This can take place through the gums before the teeth have yet to erupt. This will cause a fluorescent-yellow discoloration. Once the teeth erupt and are exposed to light, the yellow fluorescence will change to a brownish non-fluorescent color over a period of time. This can happen over months or years. Therefore, this permanent discoloration can vary from yellow to gray to brown, Tetracycline stained teeth also “glow” under a UV light in a dark room.
KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching System
A tooth whitening system developed by an internationally known cosmetic dentist and bleaching expert, KoR whitens tetracycline stained teeth by restoring their ability to absorb oxygen. As the oxygen is absorbed deep into the teeth it dissolves stain molecules. KoR whitens teeth permanently; causes very little tooth sensitivity or discomfort; and requires little maintenance to prevent stains from red wine, tea, coffee, and smoking from adhering to the newly whitened tooth surface.
About Dr. Stewart
James R. Stewart, Jr, DDS, PC and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.