Pediatric Dentistry · single question
Tetracycline causes intrinsic tooth staining mostly when given during which period?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. In utero (2nd–3rd trimester) and infancy/early childhood
Tetracycline staining risk: 2nd-trimester in utero through ~8 years (period of crown calcification).
- A. Correct. Tetracycline crosses the placenta and binds calcifying tissues; it is contraindicated from the 2nd trimester through ~age 8.
- B. By ~age 8 the anterior permanent crowns are calcified; risk has largely passed.
- C. Risk is during active tooth calcification, which is complete for most teeth by then.
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