Doxycycline-induced staining of permanent adult dentition

  1. E. Ayaslioglu1,
  2. E. Erkek2,*,
  3. AA Oba3,
  4. E. Cebecioglu4

Article first published online: 12 MAR 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2005.tb00373.x

Issue

Australian Dental Journal

Australian Dental Journal

Volume 50, Issue 4, pages 273–275, December 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Ayaslioglu, E., Erkek, E., Oba, A. and Cebecioglu, E. (2005), Doxycycline-induced staining of permanent adult dentition. Australian Dental Journal, 50: 273–275. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2005.tb00373.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    *Assistant Professor in Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey.

  2. 2

    †Associate Professor in Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey.

  3. 3

    ‡Assistant Professor in Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey.

  4. 4

    §General Dentist in CE-SA Medical Center, Kirikkale, Turkey.

* Neyzen Tevfik sokak Ferah apt 12/12 Maltepe 06570 Ankara Turkey Email: emelerkek@hotmail.com

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 12 MAR 2008
  2. Article first published online: 12 MAR 2008
  3. Accepted for publication 13 February 2005.

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Keywords:

  • Tetracycline;
  • doxycycline;
  • teeth staining;
  • teeth discolouration;
  • side effects

Abstract

Background: Doxycycline is the most effective antibiotic for managing brucellosis. Although it is relatively free from side effects, complications involving the skin, nails and teeth may rarely be encountered.

Methods: Four patients with brucellosis developed yellow-brown discolouration of teeth following a 30–45 day course of doxycycline therapy during summer at a dose of 200mg/day. Results: All four patients were diagnosed as having doxycycline-induced staining of the permanent dentition. In all cases, the staining completely resolved and the teeth recovered their original colour following abrasive dental cleaning.

Conclusions: These observations indicate that the incidence of staining of the permanent dentition, as a complication of doxycycline, may be much higher than the literature indicates, especially if treatment is administered during summer months. Fortunately, this complication is reversible and does not require termination of doxycycline therapy. Complete resolution following abrasive cleaning may suggest that an extrinsic mechanism within the dental milieu may be involved in its pathogenesis. Strict avoidance of sunlight exposure during high-dose, long-term doxycycline therapy might prevent the development of this complication.

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