A tetracycline tooth stain can be quite annoying. Tetracycline is an antibiotic that can be used for a relatively large number of problems such as; respiratory tract infections, Rocky mountain spotted fever, anthrax, syphilis, and the ever ubiquitous acne. It can even be used in conjunction with other medications to treat ulcers. Unfortunately, and despite all its beneficial qualities, it can have some negative side effects, namely staining of teeth.

       A tetracycline tooth stain tends to be pretty dark, often with a slightly bluish tint. It is only a problem cosmetically if the tooth is still in formation. So when tooth eruption occurs there are significant stains on it. This is a problem because years go tetracycline was believed to be better than penicillin, so many young patients received treatment when they're teeth were still forming and therefore have significant staining. Minocycline is a derivative of tetracycline that is used to treat acne and rheumatoid arthritis. This also has an impact on tooth staining but it is not as significant. Unfortunately minocycline tooth staining can occur even after the tooth is formed. But luckily minocycline tooth stains are more responsive to tooth bleaching.

       One of the problems with a tetracycline tooth stain is that is difficult to get rid of with cosmetic tooth bleaching. The problem is that the staining occurred while the tooth was being formed, rather than being merely a surface stain like coffee would leave. There are a number of people with staining that have been relatively responsive but it generally takes a long period of treatment to do so and should be done with a professional tooth whitening tray method, not power bleaching. We’re talking about months rather than days or weeks. Luckily cosmetic dentistry has developed techniques which can fix the stains, although it will require more time and work.

       If you are interested in learning more or ridding yourself of tetracycline tooth stain, please consider the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Cosmetic dentistry is not a necessary procedure in most cases but your smile can affect how you feel about yourself and often cosmetic dentistry is worth the cost. However, dentistry can help you look good but only you can change your life. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like to make an appointment for a cosmetic consultation with our Atlanta cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428.