repeated antibiotics affect tooth whiteness

geekgirl

Hi I used to have really lovely white teeth, when I had one of my teeth capped the dentist said my colour was an A1 and were the whitest colour they did for caps. He may of course just been saying that. I look after them by cleaning properly and flossing.

But I now have a condition where I have had to have a lot of antibiotics, and will in the future at different times for the rest of my life.

I have noticed that my teeth look a little discoloured from the inside and a friend said that they had heard that this could be because of the antibiotics. Is there any truth in this or is it more likely that it is part of the ageing process?

Toothsmith

Tetracycline antibiotics if given before the age of 10 can have an effect on the developing adult teeth, and cause them to come through with a quite marked brown colour.

Taking antibiotics after this age won't really affect the colour of the teeth internally, but long or repeated courses of abs can cause a build up of stain in your mouth which can make your teeth look darker.

How long ago were you A1?(B1 is actually the whitest shade, but there's not much in it!!)

Your teeth do darken throughout your life, due to the things you eat and drink, and just life in general.

When was the last time a dentist or hygienist gave your teeth a good thorough clean & polish. You might be surprised how this transforms them.

geekgirl

Toothsmith wrote: »

How long ago were you A1?(B1 is actually the whitest shade, but there's not much in it!!)

This was about 3 years ago but I am 46 now so it must be down to age, boo hiss! I really love having white teeth so I want to do whats best for them, the last time I had a good 30 min clean at the dentist was around a year ago, and I am fastidious about cleaning them. Is it time for a deep clean (buzz word at the mo) again?

But I have to have a root canal on 29th and am just a wee bit scared shall we say. I haven't got to know my new dentist that well but needs must.

Toothsmith

He should have a good clean on the treatment plan if it's been a while since you've had one.

geekgirl

Treatment plan! I am NHS and I don't pay for my treatment so perhaps my dentist isn't too worried about a treatment plan. She hasn't mentioned it anyway.
I am paying £58 for my root canal so that she is not using the hand files. I am not sure how much it should be now for a good clean.
I have only been with this dentist for about a month she is very nice but I just haven't had the time to build up the trust yet. I am a bit of a nervous patient.
I had to leave my last dentist as he retired, he had been my dentist for around 15 years and he was fantastic. I miss him : (

soolin

Whilst I've never had truly white teeth and having been on antibiotics now for approx 14 years or so I haven't noticed any worsening of colour in my teeth.

Toothsmith

geekgirl wrote: »

Treatment plan! I am NHS and I don't pay for my treatment so perhaps my dentist isn't too worried about a treatment plan. She hasn't mentioned it anyway.
I am paying £58 for my root canal so that she is not using the hand files. I am not sure how much it should be now for a good clean.
I have only been with this dentist for about a month she is very nice but I just haven't had the time to build up the trust yet. I am a bit of a nervous patient.
I had to leave my last dentist as he retired, he had been my dentist for around 15 years and he was fantastic. I miss him : (

Are you in England or Scotland?

If you're an NHS patient, and don't pay NHS charges, why are you paying £58?

It is against the NHS contract to 'top up' NHS fees. A treatment must be either private or NHS. You aren't allowed to mix in this way.

Codswallop

B1 used to be whitest shade available for veneers and caps until people started bleaching and Americans started demanding whiter and whiter teeth. There are now about 3 bleach shades above the old B1.
Most celebrities you see in the media have shades that are whiter than B1.
This can look good or not depending on the opacity and how well the shade compliments the complexion.

Toothsmith

Very true!!

geekgirl

Toothsmith wrote: »

If you're an NHS patient, and don't pay NHS charges, why are you paying £58?

I am in England and she said that I get the hand files if I don't pay the £58. And she said it would be quicker and better with the rotary files, and as I am nervous I agreed to it.

alison999

geekgirl wrote: »

I am in England and she said that I get the hand files if I don't pay the £58. And she said it would be quicker and better with the rotary files, and as I am nervous I agreed to it.

im not a dentist but ive nursed a bit as well as reception and this sounds a bit funny to me. ive heard of dentists charging private for rct b/c of the length of time it takes to do it (around 3 hours sometimes) but not b/c of the equipment they use. also ive seen both used, on the same tooth, at the same visit. maybe im wrong but it just doesnt seem to make sense.