Living with infected or stained teeth can turn challenging both for your self-esteem and the dentist. The stains of coffee, wine, or tea can once be ignored to some extent. But what about the intrinsic stains of Tetracycline?
What are Tetracycline stained teeth?
Tetracycline stains range from the bright yellow colour to the dark brownish one. Generally, it starts with the yellow stain and then turning dark brown with time. The primary reason for this stain on the teeth is exposure to light over the side-effects of Tetracycline(a strong antibiotic).
That is why many people suffering through Tetracycline stains have brownish front molars as they get more exposure to the light. The other similar drugs like Oxytetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, etc. can also have such effects.
Precautions to avoid Tetracycline stains
The stains are certainly annoying and distressing, but, fortunately they can be prevented and treated. You only need to know the right steps to keep yourself away from this.
Now, Tetracycline, as a generic drug, is safe like any other antibiotic. But, it has its share of side-effects, which includes loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, and staining of teeth. Pregnant ladies should not take medicine as it can cross the Placental barrier and disturb the developing tooth of the child in Fetus. This can further lead to tetracycline staining of the child’s primary teeth.
Along with this, the medicine should also be avoided by the children below 8years. You need to know that the effects of this drug are proportional to age.
Methods to remove Tetracycline staining
Well, besides the prevention of the drug, there are specific tested methods to remove the tetracycline staining. They are-
Bleaching: Internal bleaching is the most conventional method for the treatment of Tetracycline staining and is applicable only when the teeth have undergone Root canal Procedure.
The process involves putting the bleach inside the affected tooth and bleaching it inside out.
Filling and veneers: The other invasive methods include filling and veneer. In filling, the dentist will remove the outermost layer of the stained teeth and place a tooth-coloured filling on the surface of the tooth. Veneer, tooth-coloured Porcelain is also used to cover the Tetracycline stained surface of the teeth.
Crown: One of the most expensive and effective methods to get rid of the Tetracycline staining is to replace the whole tooth with a crown. Though it provides the best aesthetics to the tooth, the decision to get it may depend upon the condition of the tooth, budget, and preference of the person.
Tetracycline staining can be one of the most disturbing things to you. But, with the prevalence of such advanced dental treatments and repair options, you should not compromise with the smile of yours. The wisest action to prevent any significant harm is to consult a dentist at the earliest and get the best-suited remedy.
Moreover, have a proper check on the side-effects of the medicines that you are prescribed and take measures to combat them from the beginning. It will save you forever from the adverse impact of drugs like Tetracycline.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.