Tetracycline cause tooth discoloration due to formation of:

 # Tetracycline cause tooth discoloration due to formation of:

A. Calcium oxalate

B. Orthophosphate

C. Tetracalcium phosphate

D. Calcium oxide

The correct answer is B. Orthophosphate.

- Presence of tetracycline in the bloodstream promotes deposition of the drug in the developing enamel and dentin of teeth and bones by binding to calcium to form tetracycline-calcium-orthophosphate.

- The minimum amount required for tooth discoloration is 21 mg/kg body weight. 

- The complex causes discoloration upon eruption and exposure to sun (UV light).

 

# The discoloration appears as:

a) Oxytetracycline (Terramycin)  = Light yellow

b) Tetracycline (Achromycin), Demeclocycline = Yellow

c) Synthetic tetracycline (Minocycline) = Green to dark gray

d) Chlortetracycline (Aureomycin) = Gray - brown (Worst staining)

e) Doxycycline and Oxytetracycline = Light Yellow (least staining)

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