Minocycline, an antibiotic used to treat acne and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause teeth and bone to discolor and may make the gingivae appear blackish-blue, according to a case report published in the June issue of Journal of Periodontology.
Researchers in the periodontics department at the Mayo Clinic evaluated a 29-year-old woman to determine the cause of the blue appearance of her gingival tissue and the bone surrounding her teeth. Her medical history indicated that she had been taking 50 milligrams of minocycline four times a day for the past 17 months.
According to researchers, three to six percent of long-term minocycline users develop dental staining. This discoloration does not harm the teeth, bone or gingival tissue. The periodontal bone, however, can become discolored from minocycline therapy and show through the gingival tissue, giving it a blackish-blue appearance.
"We informed the patient that in addition to the bone discoloration, her permanent teeth could also become discolored with continued use of minocycline," said Dr. Phillip J. Sheridan. "And, unlike the periodontal bone, teeth discoloration from minocycline does not always resolve after discontinuation of the therapy. In this patient’s case, the dermatologist elected to change antibiotics to treat her acne."
"This case definitely drives home the importance of collaboration between medical and dental professionals," said Dr. Gordon Douglass, president, American Academy of Periodontology. "Periodontists have known for awhile that medical drugs can affect a person’s oral health, and this is a reminder for patients to inform their dental professionals of all medications they are taking."
Researchers advised that patients who take this drug or health care professionals who prescribe it should be made aware of the possibility of oral discoloration.
