Tetracycline Tooth Discolouration — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Permanent intrinsic yellow-grey-brown tooth discolouration
Systemic tetracyclines can be incorporated into mineralising dental tissues during tooth development, producing permanent intrinsic yellow-grey-brown discolouration; therefore, D is correct. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported, but B is incorrect because it presents hypoplasia without the characteristic intrinsic discolouration as the primary effect. Delayed eruption and supernumerary tooth formation are not recognised consequences of tetracycline incorporation. White spot lesions are areas of subsurface enamel demineralisation, usually associated with plaque-related caries rather than tetracycline exposure.
Reference: Electronic Medicines Compendium, Tetralysal 300 mg Hard Capsules, Summary of Product Characteristics, sections 4.3, 4.6 and 4.8, updated 12 August 2026. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/926/smpc