Seattle and Bellevue Dentist

One of the side effects of many medications is discoloration of the teeth. This discoloration can be either extrinsic or intrinsic.

Extrinsic discoloration means it happens after the tooth is erupted in the mouth and is superficial. This type of stain or discoloration can be easily removed by us.  One of the commonly used medications that are known to cause discoloration of teeth is Chlorohexidine mouth wash. In our cosmetic dental office Chlorohexidine is a prescription mouth wash used to control gum disease. The staining is normally superficial.

Essential oils which interestingly are the main ingredient of many popular mouth washes also stain teeth and the tooth colored fillings turn color In our Seattle cosmetic dental office we do not recommend the use of mouth washes with essential oil. Amoxicillin which is an antibiotic could also cause superficial staining of the teeth.

Medications could also cause intrinsic stains. These are stains that are permanent and interfere with the formation of the teeth. Fluoride has been recognized for its potential to reduce the magnitude and severity of dental decay in children as well as adults. Discoloration of the teeth may occur when the total intake of the fluoride from many sources such as water, toothpaste, prescribed drops and tablets is high so that the enamel of the tooth changes. The most common adverse effect of excessive exposure to Fluoride is dental fluorosis. In mild forms it appears as small, white flecks that are barely visible on the cusp tip of the teeth and on the outside surface of them.  In more severe cases the stains range from white opaque to darkly stained and pitted.

Tetracyclines are another medication that causes staining of the teeth. Pregnant women taking these medications during their second or third trimester may give birth to a child with bright yellow teeth that eventually turn grey or brown over time. This discoloration is also seen in children needing long term antibiotic therapy. In our Seattle cosmetic dental office we see number of patients that would need cosmetic dental procedures like veneers or bonding to correct this discoloration.

Minocycline commonly used in treatment of acne is another medication causing discoloration of the teeth. Long term use of this medication causes teeth to turn green/grey or blue/grey. After the medication is stopped the resolution is rare by itself. and as a Seattle cosmetic dentist I have to treat these patients with procedures like Zoom whitening or porcelain veneers. Ciprofloxacin is another medication that if given to infants could cause teeth with greenish discoloration after they have erupted.

Before taking any medications or giving it to your kid learn about its side effect and ask if it has any long-term dental irreversible effects.