tetracycline and Kernicterus

Current interest in tetracycline staining of teeth and other enamel defects led to this review. In the handicapped child structural defects that were seen in the dental enamel may provide a most accurate etiological clue. The method of determining the time of insult is described. Comments are made on seven states in which enamel dysplasia may be frequently observed. A simple means of identifying tetracycline pigment incorporated in dental enamel is outlined. Bilirubin staining of teeth is also shown and warnings are given about the indelible nature of these pigments.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Bilirubin; Cerebral Palsy; Child; Communicable Diseases; Dental Calculus; Dental Enamel; Female; Genetics, Medical; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Kernicterus; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Molar; Pigmentation; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Rubella; Tetracycline; Tooth, Deciduous