Why might one member of your family have darker teeth than everyone else? Check the medicine cabinet – some prescriptions can turn teeth colors, from unflattering yellow to unusual blue.
Antihistamines, antihypertensive drugs and antipsychotics have all been linked to discolored teeth. These drugs are thought to interfere with healthy mouth conditions. For example, antihistamines inhibit saliva production. Saliva plays a critical role in ridding the mouth of stain-causing debris. Fortunately, these types of stains can usually be removed by a dentist.
Some medications may cause surface stains on teeth. Examples include:
- Chlorohexidine: an antiseptic found in prescription-strength mouthwash
- Amoxicillin: a commonly prescribed antibiotic
- Prescription-strength iron supplements: often used to treat anemia
The worst offenders of teeth discoloration are medications that actually alter the structure and composition of teeth:
- Ciprofloxacin: used to treat skin, urinary tract and respiratory infections, Ciprofloxacin may cause a color change in children’s developing permanent teeth. When the affected teeth erupt, they may have a greenish tint.
- Doxycycline: a broad spectrum antibiotic known to stain teeth. It may also cause permanent discoloration if taken while a child’s adult teeth are developing.
- Tetracycline: incorporates into developing teeth sometimes causing a bright yellow band. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, notably typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and affects baby teeth development in utero when taken by pregnant women and a child’s permanent teeth if used for long-term therapy. Over time, tetracycline-affected teeth may turn gray or brown.
- Some prescription acne treatments: minocycline may change tooth structure in permanent teeth, tinting them blue, gray or green. Newer acne medications such as clindamycin and isotretinoin are not associated with permanent tooth discoloration.
FAQs
Some medications, like certain antihistamines and drugs for high blood pressure, can result in teeth discoloration. In addition, adults who took tetracycline or doxycycline (both antibiotics) during childhood may have tooth discoloration.
What drug changes the color of your teeth? ›
Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause teeth discoloration. Dental materials. Some of the materials used in dentistry, such as amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cast a gray-black color to teeth.
What is the most common cause of tooth discoloration? ›
The Seven Most Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
- #7: Poor Dental Hygiene. ...
- #6: Certain Medications. ...
- #5: Too Much Fluoride. ...
- #4: Tooth Trauma. ...
- #3: Genetics. ...
- #2: Tobacco Use. ...
- #1: Dark foods and drinks.
Antihistamines – can cause dry mouth and an increased risk of gum problems. Antihypertensives (taken to reduce blood pressure) – can lead to an increased risk of gum swelling and overgrowth. Aspirin – chewing aspirin can directly damage the tooth enamel, as aspirin is acidic. Always take aspirin strictly as directed.
What vitamin deficiency causes teeth discoloration? ›
Tooth discoloration from vitamin deficiency often occurs in people who don't get enough vitamin D. Without exposure to sunlight or other sources of this vitamin, the dentin that forms the core of the teeth cannot fully regenerate and build new layers.
Which drug or drug class may cause permanent discoloration of developing teeth? ›
Intrinsic, permanent tooth discolouration is well known to occur with the use of tetracycline antibiotics if taken during tooth development (ie, the last half of pregnancy, infancy and in childhood up eight years of age)1.
Which of the following drugs can discolor teeth? ›
The following medicines can cause brown, yellow-brown, or gray tooth discoloration:
- amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin), an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections.
- chlorhexidine, an antiseptic/disinfectant.
- doxycycline, an antibiotic related to tetracycline that is often used to treat acne.
The patient should use 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel nightly for one – four weeks on the discoloured tooth. A reassessment with the dentist should be planned of the tooth colour.
What drugs make your teeth deteriorate? ›
People who use heroin tend to crave sweet foods, which can increase the risk of tooth decay if dental hygiene is neglected. Heroin can also cause dry mouth and tooth grinding. Methamphetamine – also called ice, crystal meth, glass, shards or puff. This drug causes severe tooth decay in a very short time.
Can you reverse tooth discoloration? ›
We can correct deep tooth staining and discoloration, but it is a lengthy process. Unfortunately, once staining has reached interior enamel, it is much more difficult to reverse. This is different from surface stains, which your dentist can treat with teeth whitening in two visits.
The discoloration can be either temporary or permanent. It may also appear on many teeth or only one area. Your genes affect your tooth color.
Is tooth discoloration permanent? ›
Many dark-colored foods and drinks contain chemicals called chromogens. Like the tannic acid in red wine, these chemicals can stain tooth enamel. Over time, these stains may become permanent, especially if a person has poor dental hygiene.
What drug makes your teeth turn brown? ›
Regular use of antihistamines eventually causes tooth discoloration. This happens because antihistamines reduce saliva production. Saliva is an important component of oral health as it creates a barrier against which bacteria cannot adhere to the tooth enamel.
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection? ›
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection? Clove oil is one of the strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infections. Clove oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a tooth infection.
What is the best vitamin for teeth? ›
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining healthy teeth and gums. In particular, teeth vitamins A, C, D, and K, along with calcium, are crucial for good dental health. Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones.
What supplements discolor teeth? ›
Iron supplements are commonly prescribed to prevent iron deficiency anemia; however, tooth discoloration is a major side effect [3]. Parents are often concerned about black discoloration of the teeth due to iron drops and commonly seek dental treatment.
What medications cause white spots on teeth? ›
Even certain medicines can cause white spots on teeth. For example, amoxicillin makes it easier for bacteria to eat through your enamel, thus helping the marks appear. This fact stems from how antibiotics interfere with how your body absorbs nutrients.
What dental medicine turns teeth black? ›
SDF helps kill bacteria, so it's a very effective treatment for cavities in young children. However, dentists generally only use SDF on baby teeth because it dyes the affected part of the tooth a black or dark brown color.
