Which dental effect is associated with tetracycline use?

Which dental effect is associated with tetracycline use?

• A. Hair loss
• B. Teeth discoloration
• C. Nausea
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (B)

Tetracycline has a strong affinity for calcium and becomes incorporated into developing teeth. When teeth are forming, this drug gets deposited in the dentin and enamel, causing intrinsic discoloration that can appear yellow, gray, or brown and is often permanent. This is the classic dental effect linked to tetracycline use, especially in children whose teeth are still developing or in fetuses. Other listed effects like hair loss, nausea, or weight gain aren’t dental-specific issues with tetracycline, so the staining is the key dental consequence to recognize.

Tetracycline has a strong affinity for calcium and becomes incorporated into developing teeth. When teeth are forming, this drug gets deposited in the dentin and enamel, causing intrinsic discoloration that can appear yellow, gray, or brown and is often permanent. This is the classic dental effect linked to tetracycline use, especially in children whose teeth are still developing or in fetuses. Other listed effects like hair loss, nausea, or weight gain aren’t dental-specific issues with tetracycline, so the staining is the key dental consequence to recognize.