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The Effects of Accutane on Bleached Teeth

Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is a prescription drug used in the treatment of extreme acne cases. Taken in pill form, the medication can clear up acne in four to six weeks for most users. However, Accutane is also known for causing a side effect that damages work on bleached teeth. The drug reacts to bleached teeth by causing a grayish cast on gum lines and staining the work of the bleach on the bridgework.

  1. Tooth Discoloration

    • Accutane causes intrinsic discoloration, making the enamel change within the inner structure of the tooth. According to discussions on Acne.org, users of the product noticed effects of "little bright dots, similar to white freckles on teeth." Such marks on teeth can occur on any of the bridgeworks, with the front teeth the most noticeable. Strong discoloration can become noticeable in as early as one month from the first dose.

    Risk Of Damage To Bleach Work

    • Other side effects occur more commonly than white discoloration on bleached teeth. However, more than 10 reports on Acne.org alone link discoloration to Accutane, specifically in younger patients whose teeth are still developing. A fourth-year dental student suggested on the dental site PHC-SSP.ca that younger users who take Accutane pose a higher risk of not only having tooth discoloration but more prominent cases. "While permanent teeth are still developing, there is a possibility that they are the cause of the grayish linings," the report reads. "By waiting to take Accutane until teeth are fully developed, the risk of damage lowers significantly."

    Variations Of Damage

    • The range of discoloration has many factors. The amount of bleach used on a person's teeth can determine how significantly the acne medicine responds to the bridgework. Likewise, factors such as how often an individual brushes her teeth, and the individual's level of teeth stainer consumptions, such as coffee and black tea, all cause variations of damage. Age also plays a factor, as older teeth will show fewer signs of discoloration than a younger person's permanent teeth.

    Considerations

    • Doctors can prescribe a specific medication for acne; if you have teeth bleaching, consider switching to another form of acne treatment that will not affect previous dental work. If you are already taking the medication, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine suggest brushing your teeth twice a day to prevent buildup on enamel and leave teeth more uniform in coloration. Teeth stainers further showcase tooth discoloration; avoiding products such as tea, dark colas, wine and coffee will leave teeth appearing whiter and damage to tooth bleaching less noticeable.

    What To Do If Teeth Are Already Stained Due To Medicine

    • As of 2010, no citations existed of effective preventative measures against damage to bleached teeth. Whitening toothpastes and whitening strips can help blend the teeth colors more closely, giving off a uniform appearance. An expert from PHC-SSP.ca further suggests talking with a dentist on "modifying bleach trays to only bleach the 'gray' part of the tooth first. Modifying the trays will stop the over whitening on the incisals."

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