Thousands of Australians use antibiotics every year. While these medications can help people recover from dangerous medical conditions, antibiotics can also lead to unwanted side effects. Tetracycline is a type of antibiotic that Australian doctors sometimes prescribe, but the drug can sometimes cause tooth staining. Find out what you can do if you or someone you love suffers tooth staining as a result of tetracycline. Why doctors prescribe tetracycline Tetracycline antibiotics prevent the growth and spread of bacterial infections.