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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can It Affect The Shape Of The Jaws Later In Life If Child Has Crumbling Molars?

My son turned 8 last month. He has crumbling adult molars. The dentist has suggested these four molars should be removed; that further molars will come down & he can wear a brace. I have a referral to an orthodontist.
I was asked what antibiotics were given when he was young as apparently that can cause this problem - all his teeth are brittle & discolored.
Have you heard of this before & such drastic treatment? Can it affect the shape of his jaw as he develops? I know this is a dental rather than medical question, so appreciate if you cannot answer. I am here picturing a lifetime of dental trouble coming his way. :(
Wed, 21 May 2014
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Dentist 's  Response
Hello:)Welcome to HCM.

Discolored teeth is common with tetracycline antibiotics given in children.
Excessive fluoride in drinking water can also cause stained teeth(make sure your drinking water has fluoride of 1 ppm )

You need not panic as tetracycline will not cause any jaw discrepancy.

He is so young and there is ample time for the jaw to grow nearly upto 16 years of age.

I suggest you to rethink on extracting the 6year molars as they are extremely important for chewing(it can be considered for extraction if they are badly broken)

Regards.
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Can It Affect The Shape Of The Jaws Later In Life If Child Has Crumbling Molars?

Hello:)Welcome to HCM. Discolored teeth is common with tetracycline antibiotics given in children. Excessive fluoride in drinking water can also cause stained teeth(make sure your drinking water has fluoride of 1 ppm ) You need not panic as tetracycline will not cause any jaw discrepancy. He is so young and there is ample time for the jaw to grow nearly upto 16 years of age. I suggest you to rethink on extracting the 6year molars as they are extremely important for chewing(it can be considered for extraction if they are badly broken) Regards.