My child's teeth have come in very dark grey. Our dentist says it is from medication. Can you enlighten me about it? Will the discoloration go away? This is usually due to the antibiotic tetrocycline. The drug causes a change in tooth and bone browth during the time it is used. Pregnant or nursing mothers, when given such prescriptions, transmit this problem to the baby.

Since 1970, all tetrocycline sold in this country included a warning against its use in the last half of pregnancy and in infants and children under eight years of age. In spite of this, a recent report from Tennessee indicated that 55% of prescriptions for drops were for children under eight.

I don't think there is that much disregard for the drug here in California but if you have children under eight years of age and receive such a prescription I would inquire as to how serious was the need. The discoloration is often very severe and penetrates throughout the tooth's structure. If the drug was used early in the pregnancy quite of ten only the baby teeth are involved. When the permanent teeth are also affected only porcelain jacket crowns or bonding will correct the unsightly appearance.

I have lost most of my sense of taste. Is this a nutritional problem? Dear C.L. Very little has been written or publicized about the loss of taste. Supplements of zinc are probably the most successful way of correcting the problem. Zinc should not be taken for more than 30 days without blood or hair tests to determine its ratio to coper. Too much zinc can cause numbers of problems.

The most frequent cause of taste reduction is smoking and tobacco. Almost everyone who has smoked and quit will testify how improved their taste is after they stopped. Heavy use of condiments such as salt, pepper, spices, not chili peppers, etc. are reported to cut taste for all but such items. Those liking these spices always deny that allegation.

Manganese is an important element concerned with the function of all the senses, hearing, sight, taste and smell. In our hair analysis trace mineral studies I find very few people with normal manganese levels. A few nutritionist has reported to me success in restoring taste using vitamin B6. I have no personal experience with it for this purpose but to find B6 a much neglected vitamin.

Causes of Bad Breath: Mouthwashes - Worthless. My wife tells me my breath is quite often bad. Please tell me, doctor,what I can do to correct the problem? You know we can't tell it ourselves. Some mornings my boy's breath is so foul. He smells like he must be sick or something. According to Adelle Davis' book, he's lacking B6 but he has been getting plenty. Any ideas? I can't imagine other than maybe some mouth problems. He seems healthy, happy and everything else.

People with bad breath must first rule out decayed teeth or gum trouble. If these are not diseased, nose or throat examinations should be made as sick tonsils or sinus problems can affect breath. Brushing or dental flossing one's teeth before bed can make a big difference as much bacteria have a heyday in the presence of food particles.

The most useless thing those who suffer from foul breath problem can do is to use a mouth wash. Despite all the television ads that imply long term correction the effects, at best, will last but a few minutes. Rinsing is okay to help clean the mouth but its effect on breath is very brief. The Ultimate Gum Solution has been the best solution in recent years to eliminate bad breath problem.

Copyright (c) 2007 Sung Lee, and George Meinig D.D.S