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Extrinsic iron staining in infant teeth from iron-fortified formula and rice cereal

Kim G Adcock1, Shirley M Hogan

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy Jackson, Mississippi.

The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics : JPPT : the Official Journal of PPAG
|October 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Excessive dietary iron can cause extrinsic tooth staining in infants. Reducing iron intake effectively resolved the blackening of the infant's teeth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Nutritional Science
  • Dental Health

Background:

  • Extrinsic tooth staining is a known complication of excessive iron intake.
  • Iron is commonly supplemented in infant formulas and cereals for nutritional purposes.

Observation:

  • A 7-month-old infant presented with significant black extrinsic tooth staining.
  • The staining was associated with the consumption of iron-fortified formula and rice cereal, used as a thickener for reflux.
  • The infant's mother noted the "blackening" after several months of administration.

Findings:

  • The extrinsic tooth staining was directly linked to inadvertent overconsumption of dietary iron.
  • Manual scraping by a pediatric dentist successfully removed the stains.
  • Subsequent reduction in dietary iron intake prevented recurrence of the staining.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of monitoring iron intake in infants, even from fortified foods.
  • Clinicians should consider excessive dietary iron as a potential cause of extrinsic tooth staining in infants.
  • Dietary modifications can effectively manage and prevent iron-induced extrinsic tooth staining in pediatric patients.

Keywords:
infant cerealinfant formulaironteeth staining

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