In 1977, then Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Donald Kennedy sought to cut the use of antibiotics on farm animals, specifically drugs in the tetracycline family. Based on scientific evidence, Kennedy argued that enough exposure to these antibiotics could lead to the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which could be transferred to humans who consume the animals’ meats. Unfortunately, Kennedy’s initiative did not prosper.
Nearly 40 years later, new studies show that Kennedy was on the right track all along. A 2013 study found that tetracycline use caused the propagation of bacteria that are resistant to it, as well as other antibiotics. In response to this, the FDA has limited the administration of antibiotics on farm animals, and their use would require a veterinarian on site.
In addition to its significant effect on human health, dentists have other causes for concern about the use of tetracycline. Tetracycline is known to stain teeth to a deep yellow and even dark brown color, and tetracycline-induced teeth discolorations are among the most difficult to whiten. The condition often starts before teeth erupt through the gums, which means that children are the most susceptible; however, adults can also develop it through oral intake of tetracycline.
In the past, whitening teeth stained by tetracycline use was considered “impossible”. Fortunately, dental procedures have caught up to the problem, through such breakthrough methods as the KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ system. Locals can receive this treatment from a reputable cosmetic dentist in Wilkes Barre, such as those in Back Mountain Dental.
According to Dr. Rod Kurthy, who developed the system, it is designed to restore the tooth’s ability to absorb the oxygen from the bleaching agent for a whiter result. In addition to tetracycline use, your teeth also loses this ability as you age, which explains why older people tend to have yellowed or browned teeth. The radicals from the agent break up long-chain stain molecules, resulting in white and colorless molecules.
A skilled Wilkes-Barre cosmetic dentist offers this treatment, giving hope to those who have even the most challenging teeth whitening concerns. The KoR system also provides this other great advantage—it has a permanent effect so you can go through the rest of your life eating and drinking anything you want without fear of staining your teeth.
