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Posted on 11/15/2018 by Dr. Elizabeth Vivona |
You have worked hard for your white smile. Between regular dental cleanings, you avoid staining foods and drinks, and possibly even get a professional whitening. It can take a lot to get the smile that you like. Once you have it, you need to maintain it, and one way to do that is by avoiding certain medications. Everyone knows to avoid certain kinds of foods and drinks because they can discolor teeth. However, few people realize that some medications can permanently discolor their teeth. Avoiding MedicationsIf your doctor tries to give you tetracycline for an infection, ask him or her for another option. While tetracycline can help you feel better, it can also stain your teeth. This is especially true with young children and pregnant mothers. Another common medication to avoid are antihistamines. Many people who suffer from allergies find that these drugs help clear up itchy eyes and runny noses. Sadly, they can also stain the teeth. Finally, if you are taking medication for hypertension, be very careful to drink adequate amounts of water. While these medications may not in and of themselves stain teeth, they do reduce the flow of saliva in your mouth-which, in turn, causes teeth to be more likely to stain. So keep a glass of water handy, and make sure to regularly take a sip. Exploring Your Options Obviously, medication plays a vital role in maintaining your health. However, in many cases, there may be a different type of medication that is available. If you are concerned about staining your teeth, talk with your doctor to see if there is something different that he or she could recommend for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We're happy to talk with you and help you keep your smile bright and white! |