10 replies to this topic

[Brown Spots]

Okay so I have yellow teeth. I think because for a long time I was on antibiotics for my acne, it made them this way. Tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline were the ones I have taken. Plus I just finished up an Accutane course in June. Although I can't exactly remember when I started to have teeth this stained, I do know it has been this way for at least a year. Maybe two. I started taking tetracycline when I was about 12, I think. I usually brush my teeth twice a day with a whitening toothpaste. I have never had a cavity. I also try to eat a balanced and clean diet. I have read a past topic about how you shouldn't use toothpaste, period. Natural or not. Honestly at this point I am really confused as to where I should go from here. So does anyone have helpful input? Thanks in advance.

The pictures that I have added to this post are what my teeth look like as of 7/18/12.

Edited by Brown Spots, 24 July 2012 - 09:25 PM.

[FaceValues]

Get as many probiotics/fermented foods in your young body as possible. Quit sugar.

[SamIman]

u been on a lot of anti biotics, that is messing u up bro. get on those probiotics. i recommend kefir.

[AnnaMoyer]

i would still advise that you brush your teeth regularly. Bacteria builds up on your teeth, and when there is enough to make a full bacterial colony, the colony forms a protective bio film, which makes them better at resisting antibacterial/antiseptic chemicals. The best way to remove a bio film is to physically scrape it off, hence the brushing.

There's a lot of debate about what type of tooth paste should or shouldn't be used, and whether or not we need fluoride, so do some research and form your own opinion.

Check out Living Libations. Nadine Artemis has some great info on oral care which I found very interesting. Her routine is pretty involved, so I don't follow it exactly and I've never purchased any of her products since they are expensive, but the information is worth reading.

[tim12]

I don't have much N&HH advice for this, but I do use a sonicare toothbrush; it is probably the best toothbrush out there. Oh, and you could use baking soda. As far as not having the whole Listerine and other modern treatments to forego fluoride and whatnot, I'd also reccomend investing in a tongue brush/scraper. Those things do wonders for gnarly breath. Best stocking stuffer ever for family members with SAD BAD breath.

[alternativista]

Dry brushing is supposed to remove the most plaque, which you could do with a sonic care. Or I think the other best alternative to toothpaste is a powder that includes minerals for remineralizing teeth. There are lots of recipes that often include calcium clay powders or egg shells. And often salt, baking soda and herbs.

[Brown Spots]

Thanks for replying everyone. I will have to do some serious research, when I have time. Honestly when I posted this I was kind of worried but really there is no quick fix. I am almost certain that the anti-biotics did a lot of damage to the dentin and caused the enamel the to yellow this much. I do have a bottle of pro-biotics but I stopped taking then because I thought they did more harm than good. I mean I think they broke me out. I wouldn't mind using them again if it'll help my teeth. Diet-wise, I am doing pretty well. For the past few weeks I have stayed away from most processed and refined foods. And I've been sticking with my exercise regimen. One more thing... I have started taking zinc (25 mg), fish oil and glucosamine tablets. On top of that I just recently added green tea with lemon juice, drinking it with a straw of course.

[Green Gables]

Remember that natural, healthy teeth are not dazzlingly white. My dentist once showed me a chart of what the "normal" whitest you can get naturally, and it looked yellow. White white teeth are artificially bleached.

Tetracyclines have been shown to cause a sort of "graying" in the teeth IF they are taken when you are still growing.

Tetracyclines should therefore be avoided in pregnant or lactating women, and in young children with developing teeth. A pregnant woman who takes tetracycline might cause stains to the deciduous teeth of her baby. A child who takes tetracycline might cause stains to his developing adult teeth. Those stains are usually internal and cannot be easily removed with conventional tooth whitening. It is therefore recommended not to give tetracycline to children.

Tetracycline stains are different in that they are IN the tooth, so you can't really remove them with whitening. I would try the suggestions here to remove additional surface stains and plaque, but get used to the idea that your teeth are 1) not naturally WHITE anyway 2) yes, tetracycline probably darkened them. If you want movie-star teeth, your only real options are to get veneers.

P.S. Your teeth look a perfectly normal un-bleached color, I don't think you were affected by tetracycline that much

Edited by Green Gables, 25 July 2012 - 08:40 AM.

[bobbi364]

yellow teeth is often times from using standard toothpastes, fluoride can do this...

dental fluorosis from fluoride google it.

[Maximus Decimus Merideous]

How come nobody has recommended a dentist? My mom is a dentist...so no talking smack

[Brown Spots]

yellow teeth is often times from using standard toothpastes, fluoride can do this...

dental fluorosis from fluoride google it.

Actually I have noticed some spotting on my teeth, never knew what it was though. But there are so few that it's pretty questionable.

Remember that natural, healthy teeth are not dazzlingly white. My dentist once showed me a chart of what the "normal" whitest you can get naturally, and it looked yellow. White white teeth are artificially bleached.

I do realize that. Honestly I have little knowledge about teeth or anything dental, so I will have to do more research. I have not come to consensus about anything right now. If I do, I will post my opinion here. Not to mention I'll take everything I read, with a grain of salt.