• Knowledgebase: Antibiotic Information and Questions

    Questions about types of antibiotics, when to use them, and side-effects of using them.

    6. Antibiotics staining teeth? - Top

    My daughter is now seven years old and now has all of her second teeth. As a baby she had several ear infections and was prescribed Amoxicillin paediatric suspension. When her second teeth came through they were discoloured and the enamel has not formed correctly on her back top and bottom teeth. I have been told by my dentist that this is the result of taking this antibiotic. Is this a side effect?most antibiotic staining of the teeth is temporary and only lasts a couple
    of weeks.

    Some antibiotics like Tetracyclines can cause permenant graying of the teeth
    (and are NOT used under 8 years for this reason).

    It is more likely that this represents an enamel defect, or some other
    congenital tooth disturbance. you may wish to have a one time consultation
    with a Pediatric Dentist to settle the matter and to see what might be done
    to help.

    - Updated: May 19, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP