The Effects of Tetracycline and How to Resolve Them

Tetracycline has seen widespread usage for many years.  It is fairly common prescription antibiotic, particularly within the Asian population.  But as it was prescribed more and more often, many young children and pregnant or nursing mothers began to demonstrate staining of the teeth and other adverse reactions.

While this antibiotic can treat many conditions, the damage to the teeth can be severe.  While older adults don’t normally have any kind of adverse side effects, young children under age 12 are at great risk of dental abnormalities.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers put their children at risk, as well.  This is because everything the mother ingests transfers to the baby.  Ultimately what impacts the mother can impact the developing fetus.

Can cosmetic dentistry remove the effects of tetracycline upon teeth?  Absolutely. Technology has come a long way in resolving this problem and procedures like Berkley porcelain crowns or porcelain veneers might be excellent solutions for you.

Within the Montclair Village area, dental professionals including Total Health Dental Care have a variety of techniques that can restore the correct color and appearance of the teeth.   There have been great outcomes with professional porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry options.

The Adverse Circumstances of Tetracycline and Your Teeth

Tetracycline is a fairly common antibiotic prescribed for various infections and skin irritations. But it isn’t for everyone.  It can create stained, unsightly teeth, primarily for pregnant women and young children. So conscientious dental professionals avoid prescribing it to protect their patients’ appearance and wellbeing.

Issues with dental abnormalities among children are common among those who have taken the antibiotic.  In addition, tooth discoloration can be pronounced and is frequently seen among the Asian population.  Today, there Total Health Dental Care provides Berkley cosmetic dental techniques and Oakland cosmetic dentist procedures that can remove the issues from affected teeth.

Since it was a common prescription given to children with respiratory infections and other common illnesses, this is the population group where it is most common.  Among Asians, there are young adults who experience discoloration of teeth as well.

However, tetracycline only causes damage to developing children’s teeth.  This can even happen when children are in utero.  A pregnant woman who takes tetracycline runs the risk of negatively impacting her baby’s developing teeth later.  For this reason, it is not recommended for young children and pregnant women.

Mild to Moderate Side Effects of Tetracycline

Because of the risk to the enamel of the teeth, children shouldn’t take this oral antibiotic until at least 12 years of age.  While the side effects of tetracycline appear to be only temporary for older kids, precautions are still necessary.

Most dental practitioners will evaluate viable candidates to use tetracycline in accurate dosages.  Generally, discoloration of the teeth is no longer an issue when kids reach puberty.

Practical Advice and Professional Ways to Remove the Damage of Tetracycline

Thankfully, there are many dental options available.  Berkley cosmetic dental options are quite advanced.  High-powered bleaching or whitening options can remove practically any sign of stains.  However the time necessary to see good results might vary.

If you’re hoping for perfectly white teeth, that may be challenging.  However, high-powered professional bleaching can make your teeth look healthy and attractive, even following tetracycline usage.  This type of procedure may take up to a year to see the type of results you desire. But it can bring back the natural whiteness without crowns or veneers.

For those who want to have the stains totally eradicated with minimal enamel removed, then porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns could be the best option.  If these are not an affordable option for you, the bleaching process is the most suitable alternative.  Bleaching is safe and effective.  And there are no known adverse effects.

It is important to remember that a patient can choose an Oakland cosmetic dentist or Berkeley cosmetic dentis who provides cosmetic and restorative options such as: porcelain crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, and even more.  Total Health Dental Care can help you correct the look and health of your teeth for many years, while keeping your total health in mind.