Medications and Tooth Color

Why medicines can change tooth colour at all

Medicines can affect colour in two quite different ways. Some act on the surface, leaving a film that attracts stain. Others are taken into the tooth itself while it is developing, becoming part of the structure and showing up as a lasting tint. Which of these applies depends on the medicine, the age at which it was taken and how long the exposure lasted.

Because the two routes look different and are handled differently, it helps to know which one you might be dealing with before deciding anything.

Medicines taken while teeth are forming

Teeth form under the gums during childhood, and some medicines taken at that stage can be built into the developing tooth. Certain antibiotics of the tetracycline family are the best known example, and they are generally avoided in pregnancy and early childhood for this and other reasons. The result can be grey, brown or yellowish bands that do not brush away.

Too much fluoride during the years when teeth form can also cause white or brown markings. This is a separate issue from medicines, but it is worth raising with a dentist. If you suspect this, a dentist can assess how deep the colour sits and what can sensibly be done.

Mouthwashes and liquid medicines that stain the surface

Some prescribed or pharmacy mouthrinses, including certain antibacterial ones used short term, can leave brownish surface staining if used for a while. Iron liquid supplements and some syrups can also darken teeth temporarily. These marks usually sit on the outside and a hygienist can often polish them off.

Dry mouth is another indirect route. Many regular medicines reduce saliva, and with less saliva to rinse the teeth, stains and plaque build up more easily. If your mouth feels dry, say so at your dental visit.

• Antibacterial rinses used over a period
• Liquid iron preparations
• Some sugary or coloured syrups
• Medicines that cause a dry mouth

What should I do if I think a medicine is the cause?

Start by keeping the medicine going as prescribed. Stopping a treatment on your own can do far more harm than a change in tooth shade. Instead, note what you take, the doses as written on the label and roughly when the colour change appeared, then ask a dentist, doctor or pharmacist whether there is a link.

Sometimes a different formulation, a straw for liquids or rinsing the mouth with water afterwards can help. These are questions for a professional who knows your history, not something to settle by searching online.

Everyday habits that still matter

Whatever the cause of the colour change, the basics remain the same. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day, drink water and keep up regular dental visits. Professional cleaning removes surface stain regardless of where it came from.

Medications and tooth color is a topic where the dental team can usually say more than any article, because they can see the pattern and judge how deep it goes. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or give medicines to a child, check with a clinician before using any rinse or supplement.

Questions to bring to your appointment

A short list makes the visit more productive. Write down every medicine and supplement you take, including over-the-counter products, and bring it with you.

Then ask what you are seeing and whether it looks like surface or deeper colour.

• Could any of my medicines or rinses be affecting the colour?
• Is the stain on the surface or inside the tooth?
• Can a professional clean remove it?
• Is a dry mouth part of the picture, and how can I manage it?
• Is any treatment sensible for my teeth right now?

Questions readers ask