Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Tetracycline is known for causing tooth discoloration when administered during childhood, particularly when it is given to children whose teeth are still developing. This phenomenon occurs because tetracycline can bind to calcium in the teeth, leading to a permanent change in color, typically resulting in yellow, gray, or brown staining. The discoloration can be particularly concerning when tetracycline is taken during the critical periods of tooth development, which usually occurs during the first eight years of life.

In contrast, other antibiotics listed, such as penicillin and sulfamethoxazole, do not have a documented association with causing intrinsic tooth staining in children. While streptomycin belongs to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics and is generally not linked with tooth discoloration, the focus here is on those that affect dental enamel during formative years. Understanding the specific effects of tetracycline emphasizes the importance of careful antibiotic prescribing practices, particularly in pediatric patients.