There are many factors that affect the discoloration of the teeth and gums. Most of the time, the teeth and gums suffer from surface staining due to consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea and colas, or through the habitual use of tobacco products. Discoloration also comes with age as darker teeth are commonly seen in the elderly. Additionally, there are also certain medications that cause teeth and gums to turn bluish-gray.

People that are using acne treatment medications may just one day wake up dealing with an additional problem- gum and teeth discoloration. It has been reported that minocycline, a prescription drug used to treat bacterial infections, such as acne, produces side effects that affect the gums. Patients who are taking minocycline are warned against teeth, bones, and gum discoloration.

In most cases, the intake of this antibiotic causes the gums or teeth to turn permanently yellow, gray or bluish gray. Unfortunately, simply discontinuing the use of minocycline will not reverse the discoloration. These negative effects on the gums stemming from the intake of a certain medication to treat a widespread cutaneous condition are the reasons why every periodontist on Chicago urges for a more efficient relationship and communication between the dental and medical disciplines.

In a research done by The Mayo Clinic, a 29 year old female was evaluated for the discoloration of her gums. Researchers discovered, through their evaluation of the patient’s medical records, that she has been undergoing an acne treatment for a significant period of time. It was found she has been taking minocycline continuously for almost a year and a half, for four times in one day. According to periodontics experts, her use of this specific antibiotic greatly contributed to the permanent discoloration of her teeth and gums.

The use of minocycline, according to studies, does not pose any threat to the gums and teeth except for the appearance of dental staining and permanent discoloration. However, yellowish or bluish-gray gums can result in a narrow way of smiling and can greatly decrease an individual’s self-confidence. On the other hand, there are also several medications that may produce critical oral health conditions, such as bacterial overgrowth, gingivitis, tooth decay and dry mouth.

Because of past studies confirming the association of oral health to body health, dentists are well aware that there are certain medications that can produce side effects affecting the teeth and gums.  Therefore, dental patients should take the responsibility in volunteering information regarding their current and past medications if they are seeing  a periodontist in .

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For those looking to treat their gum disease through the use of a laser, and a not a scalpel, contact Dr. Marcus at (312)263-6898 or visit him on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com  Dr. Marcus is not a  periodontist in Chicago, but a highly trained general dentist who treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.