Amoxicillin use linked to tooth defect

November 2005

Amoxicillin may be linked to dental fluorosis on permanent first molars and maxillary central incisors, according to a recent study.

Researchers from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, analyzed data from the Iowa Fluoride Study, which investigated children’s dental health, biological and behavioral factors and fluoride exposures. The researchers of the fluoride study followed 579 children, which included 297 girls and 282 boys, from birth to 32 months, distributing questionnaires to parents every three to four months to obtain information on fluoride intake and amoxicillin use.

Researchers found that 91% of children had taken amoxicillin by age 32 months; 24% of children had fluorosis on both maxillary central incisors. The researchers assessed fluorosis of early-erupting permanent teeth, which included four mandibular incisors, four maxillary incisors and four first molars, in the children between the ages of 8 and 10 months (mean age 9.2 months). The researchers found that amoxicillin use in children aged 3 to 6 months doubled the risk of fluorosis. Amoxicillin use between the ages of 3 and 6 months significantly increased the risk of dental fluorosis on the maxillary incisors (95% CI, 1.49 to 2.78), researchers said.

For more information:

• Hong L, Levy SM, Warren JJ, et al. Association of amoxicillin use during early childhood with developmental tooth enamel defects. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159:943-948.