Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discoloration?

[shihtzulover]

After struggling for ages with problems with body 'acne', I found a dermatologist who thinks that it's actually just some sort of inflammatory response that my body is having. He prescribed Oracea (basically a 40 mg dose of doxycycline, with part of it being extended release), and I'm very hopeful about it, but I'm also nervous about the possible side effects.

I've read that tetracycline drugs can cause tooth discoloration and loss of enamel, and it is really important to me that neither of these things happen. Most websites seem to say that this usually happens during tooth development, so that as an adult (I'm 25), I should be in the clear. I have read about a few reports of tooth problems in older people as well, though, and that totally stumps me.

I'm one of those people who uses Crest Whitestrips twice a year, and my teeth never seem white enough. Also, I had gaps between my top front teeth, so I had bonding placed, and I've head that the loss of enamel can cause the bonding material to come right off.

Thoughts? I really, really, really want to clear up this acne-like rash, but I don't want to ruin my teeth in the process.

 

[soocool]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

My nephew took doxycycline for about 6 - 8 weeks to treat Lyme disease and he had no problems.except for an upset stomach and then he started taking it with food. His teeth were fine, it was just stomach issues from taking it. (He's in his mid 20s)

I have not heard anything bad about doxycycline, but I have just read an article about minocycline induced Lupus in teens.

 

[kelpie]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

My husband has taken it daily to prevent malaria for over a year and his teeth weren't the whitest to start with but they haven't gotten any yellower. My doctor prescribed it to me for acne once too, but it caused nausea so I switched to aldactone and septra combination.

 

[missy]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

I have been taking Oracea for 6 years straight now and I haven't had any issues with discoloration or enamel loss of my teeth. Everyone can react differently though so the best thing you can do is be aware while you are taking it to make sure you do not experience any adverse side effects. Good luck!

 

[MissStepcut]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

I used it for this very purpose and it worked out great. I don't take it anymore though because I wouldn't mind getting pregnant.

 

[Pandora II]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

Yes, I grew up in the developing world and a cholera epidemic hit the country. It was very hard to get safe water so my parents took the hard decision to give us tetracycline knowing the risks. I was 6 or 7 at the time and took them for several months. I have micro-striping on my teeth and very reduced enamel and endless issues with my teeth.

I have never heard of adults having issues - it effects the teeth that are still developing.

 

[AprilBaby]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

Tetracycline only causes gray discoloration in teeth that are being formed so it is not recommended for children or pregnant woman. It won't cause any damage to adult teeth. The gray/blue color will not respond to any kind of bleaching. The only thing you can do is veneer the teeth or live with them.

 

[HollyS]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

My sister spent many years in the 1970s and 80s dosing with tetracycline (prescribed by a skin doc) for her acne. I've certainly noticed that her teeth are a bit grayer/bluer in tint than normal, and appear to have less enamel than they once did.

I doubt it is obvious to many people, but I know her well, and know what her teeth were like when we were much younger.

So, yes, apparently these drugs can cause some color/enamel issues for your teeth.

 

[shihtzulover]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

I think that I'm mostly concerned just because I will probably have to take the Oracea for such a long time.

My dermatologist acted like this is a wonderful drug with very few side effects, and since he didn't mention the generic name, I didn't realize at the time that it is a type of tetracycline drug. Regardless, he didn't seem worried about it at all, and even said that I probably wouldn't experience any problems since the dose is so low, and that I could take it for years without worry.

According to webmd and the drug information websites, this medication is only contraindicated for young children, whose teeth are still developing. They do mention that adult tooth staining has been reported though, although I have no idea how common it is. I've also seen a few comments about the medication possibly causing tooth discoloration, but I'm not sure how seriously I should take these anecdotal comments. Personally, my teeth have just naturally gotten a little bit more yellow over the past six months or so (probably from drinking tea or something), but if I were on Oracea, I would probably guess that the Oracea caused it.

Oh, and I have read comments about tooth discoloration not being observed during the two clinical studies of this drug.

I guess I'll probably have to suck it up and try it, because I'm not sure that there are any other options. The only non-tetracycline drug that has good ratings is a cream, and since my problem covers such a large area on my body (the entire area from my neck to the top of my breasts, and then my back and shoulders/upper arms a bit too), I would probably just go through it way too fast. I know from previous experience that my insurance company will only pay for one tube of topical medication per month, even if it only lasts for a week or so. I can only guess that the price would be completely outrageous, since it looks like the Oracea would be $475 per month without insurance.

Ugh! This is so frustrating. I have tried every possible medication that's over the counter, though (benzoyl peroxides, sulfur creams, and salycylic acid), and also prescription Aczone cream, a topical antibiotic, and topical/oral antifungals.

 

[Autumnovember]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

For clinical we're required to use a medication app on our phone called "Medscape." I have to use it every single time before I administer med's to my pt's so that I know what some of the adverse effects can be. Looked that particular drug up and as everyone else said, the tooth discoloration is an adverse effect in children and it says nothing about adults.

 

[AprilBaby]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

I repeat again, no tetracycline will NOT affect adult teeth. Only teeth where the drug was taken before they came in.

 

[Liath]

I have lyme disease for the last two years. I was prescribed doxycycline at the end of January 2017. I have been taking it along with 3 other antibiotics since that time. It has caused SEVERE staining on my teeth. I've had my teeth cleaned three times since the middle of April and we are now only in mid October. They really need to be cleaned again. I will absolutely keep taking the doxy because it along with the other antibiotics are reducing my lyme symptoms but I thought it important to post on this site given that on one else who has taken doxy as an adult (I am 36) appears to have experienced these symptoms.

 

[t-c]

Re: Does anyone know about doxycycline and tooth discolorati

Tetracycline only causes gray discoloration in teeth that are being formed so it is not recommended for children or pregnant woman. It won't cause any damage to adult teeth. The gray/blue color will not respond to any kind of bleaching. The only thing you can do is veneer the teeth or live with them.

This!

 

[doberman]

This kind of ABT can cause tooth discoloration when given at key times of tooth development. As an adult you are not at risk. But stay out of the sun.

 

[elle_71125]

I've been on Docxcycline (and Spironolactone) for years now. Damn you acne! No teeth issues here. You can get a stomach ache if you take it without food though.

Sadly, my medical (which I pay plenty for) won't cover the brand name Oracea and I'm not about to pay hundreds of dollars a month for it. I get the generic version of doxycycline instead. It costs me less than $10.

I hope you give it a shot and that it works for you.