• Knowledgebase: Antibiotic Information and Questions

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

    3. Discolored teeth and antibiotics - Top

    Question: My 2-year old daughter is on antibiotics for one thing or the other from the past 3 weeks. Her white and beautiful teeth, within a week, have become discolored and seem to be losing enamel(if enamel is the substance which makes the teeth look white). Also, I see some gaps between her lower teeth. Are these cavities? If so, and if not poor oral hygiene, are antibiotics responsible for this sudden discoloration ?
    Answer: Antibiotics such as amoxicillin can sometimes temporarily cause a discoloration of the teeth, usually yellow or brown spots. This goes away in time. On the other hand, I also see many two year olds that have a number of cavities, especially between the teeth. If the discoloration persists more than a few weeks, I would have a doctor or dentist take a look. - Updated: May 19, 2001

    [e-Mail me the Knowledgebase]-   [Search our Knowledgebase] -  [Question Not Answered?]    


    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP