What medications cause teeth yellowing?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

The prevalence of tetracycline and minocycline staining is estimated to be between 3-6% [1.4.3]. This highlights just one category of drugs that can lead to discoloration. If you've wondered what medications cause teeth yellowing?, several common prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs are known culprits.

Quick Summary

Certain medications can lead to significant tooth discoloration. Key drugs include tetracycline antibiotics, specific antihistamines, antipsychotics, and antihypertensives, which can cause both internal and external staining.

Key Points

Tetracycline Antibiotics: Can cause permanent, intrinsic (internal) gray or yellow staining, especially when taken during tooth development [1.4.1, 1.4.2].
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash: A common cause of extrinsic (surface) brown stains on teeth, which can usually be removed by a dentist [1.5.3, 1.5.5].
Dry Mouth Medications: Antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure drugs often reduce saliva, leading to extrinsic yellowing and decay [1.6.4, 1.6.7].
Iron Supplements: Liquid iron supplements are known to cause dark brown or black extrinsic stains on the tooth surface [1.7.2, 1.7.4].
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains: Intrinsic stains are inside the tooth and hard to treat, while extrinsic stains are on the surface and can often be polished off [1.4.4, 1.5.8].
Prevention is Key: Using a straw for liquid medicines, rinsing after doses, and excellent oral hygiene can minimize staining [1.8.1, 1.7.5].
Treatment Varies: Professional cleanings work for surface stains, while deeper stains may require whitening, bonding, or veneers for effective removal [1.9.3, 1.9.6].

The Unseen Side Effect: How Medications Affect Your Smile

Many medications, while essential for treating various health conditions, can have unintended side effects, one of which is the discoloration of teeth. This staining can range from mild yellowing to deep brown or gray bands [1.4.3, 1.4.5]. Understanding the difference between the two main types of medication-induced stains is crucial. Intrinsic staining occurs when the drug is incorporated into the tooth's structure during its development, making it difficult to remove [1.4.6]. In contrast, extrinsic staining happens when a medication or its byproducts interact with the tooth's outer surface, the enamel, often due to dry mouth or direct contact [1.5.8, 1.6.4].

Major Medication Classes That Cause Tooth Discoloration

Several categories of drugs are well-documented for their potential to alter tooth color. It's important to be aware of these medications and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Antibiotics: Tetracycline and Its Derivatives

The most notorious group of drugs for causing tooth stains is the tetracycline family of antibiotics (including doxycycline and minocycline) [1.4.5, 1.6.7]. When these antibiotics are taken by children under the age of 8 or by pregnant women in the second or third trimester, the medication can bind to the calcium in developing teeth [1.4.1, 1.4.2]. This results in permanent, intrinsic discoloration that can appear as yellow, brown, or gray horizontal bands [1.4.4]. While less common, long-term use in adults can also lead to staining [1.4.3].

Antiseptic Mouth Rinses: Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is an effective antiseptic mouthwash prescribed to treat gingivitis and other gum issues [1.5.5, 1.6.7]. However, it is known to cause significant extrinsic brown staining on teeth, fillings, and even the tongue [1.5.3, 1.5.5]. The staining occurs because chlorhexidine binds to tannins found in food and drinks [1.5.7]. This discoloration can typically be removed with professional dental cleaning [1.5.5]. To minimize this effect, it's advised to brush and floss thoroughly before use [1.5.6].

Antihistamines, Antipsychotics, and Antihypertensives

A wide range of common medications, including some antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and medications for high blood pressure, can contribute to tooth yellowing [1.6.3, 1.6.6]. These drugs often cause dry mouth (xerostomia) by reducing saliva production [1.6.4, 1.6.5]. Saliva is essential for washing away food debris and neutralizing acids. A lack of saliva allows plaque and stain-causing substances to accumulate, leading to extrinsic discoloration and an increased risk of tooth decay [1.6.2, 1.6.7].

Iron Supplements

Liquid iron supplements, often prescribed for anemia, are known to cause dark brown or black surface stains on teeth [1.7.2, 1.7.4]. The iron can adhere to the enamel, creating a noticeable discoloration that is difficult to remove with regular brushing [1.7.2]. Using a straw to drink liquid iron and rinsing the mouth with water immediately afterward can help minimize direct contact with the teeth and reduce staining [1.7.5].

Comparison of Medications and Staining Type


Medication Class	Common Examples	Staining Type	Typical Color
Tetracycline Antibiotics	Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline	Intrinsic	Yellow, Brown, Gray, or Blue-Gray Bands [1.4.4, 1.4.3]
Antiseptic Mouth Rinses	Chlorhexidine	Extrinsic	Brown [1.5.3, 1.5.5]
Antihistamines	Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)	Extrinsic (due to dry mouth)	Yellow, Brown [1.6.1, 1.6.3]
Antihypertensives	ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers	Extrinsic (due to dry mouth)	Yellow, Brown [1.6.4, 1.6.5]
Iron Supplements	Ferrous Sulfate (liquid form)	Extrinsic	Dark Brown or Black [1.7.2, 1.7.4]

Prevention and Treatment Strategies

If you are taking a medication known to cause tooth discoloration, you don't have to accept a stained smile. Proactive measures can make a significant difference.

Proactive Prevention

Discuss Alternatives: Talk to your doctor about whether an alternative medication is available that doesn't have the same side effects [1.8.2, 1.8.7].
Use a Straw: For liquid medications like iron supplements, using a straw minimizes contact with your teeth [1.8.1, 1.7.5].
Rinse Immediately: After taking a liquid medication or one that causes dry mouth, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water [1.8.1].
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular professional cleanings to remove surface stains and plaque buildup [1.8.1, 1.8.3].
Stay Hydrated: Combat dry mouth by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away bacteria and food particles [1.8.1, 1.6.8].

Professional Treatment Options

For stains that have already set in, several professional treatments can restore your smile:

Professional Cleaning: A dental hygienist can remove most extrinsic stains caused by medications like chlorhexidine or those related to dry mouth [1.9.1].
Teeth Whitening: Professional whitening (bleaching) can be effective for some extrinsic and mild intrinsic stains, but results for deep tetracycline stains vary and may take a long time [1.9.3, 1.9.6].
Dental Bonding: A tooth-colored resin can be applied to the surface of the tooth to cover minor stains [1.9.3].
Porcelain Veneers: For severe, permanent intrinsic stains like those from tetracycline, veneers are often the most effective solution. These are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of the teeth to create a brand-new, white appearance [1.9.2, 1.9.6].

Conclusion

While various medications are necessary for health, their potential to cause teeth yellowing and discoloration is a valid concern. The effect can range from removable surface stains from drugs like chlorhexidine to permanent intrinsic discoloration from tetracycline [1.5.5, 1.4.4]. The key is awareness and communication. Always discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider and maintain rigorous oral hygiene. If staining occurs, consult your dentist to explore the best preventive and cosmetic solutions, from professional cleanings to veneers, to keep your smile bright and healthy.

For more information on the effects of tetracycline, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's resource page.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the type of stain. Extrinsic (surface) stains from medications like chlorhexidine or iron supplements can often be removed by professional dental cleaning. Intrinsic (internal) stains, like those from tetracycline, are permanent but can be concealed with cosmetic treatments like veneers or bonding [1.5.5, 1.9.2, 1.9.6].

No. The most well-known antibiotics for staining are tetracycline and its derivatives (doxycycline, minocycline), primarily when taken by young children or pregnant women [1.4.2, 1.6.7]. Most other antibiotics do not carry the same risk.

Chlorhexidine causes extrinsic (surface) stains by binding to tannins in foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, which then adhere to the tooth enamel, causing a brown discoloration [1.5.7].

These medications often cause dry mouth (xerostomia) as a side effect. Reduced saliva flow prevents the mouth from effectively washing away food particles and plaque, leading to an accumulation of stains and an increased risk of cavities [1.6.4, 1.6.7].

Professional teeth whitening can sometimes lighten mild tetracycline stains, but it's often a long process with varied results and may not completely remove the discoloration. For severe or banded stains, porcelain veneers are a more predictable and effective solution [1.4.4, 1.9.6].

To prevent staining from liquid iron supplements, drink the supplement through a straw to minimize its contact with your teeth. It's also helpful to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth immediately after taking it [1.7.5, 1.8.1].

No. You should never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Discuss your concerns with them; they may be able to prescribe an alternative medication with fewer side effects [1.8.2, 1.8.7].