Which drug family is notably associated with dental enamel problems?

The family of drugs known as tetracyclines is particularly associated with dental enamel problems due to their ability to bind to calcium ions. When tetracyclines are administered to young animals while their teeth and bones are still developing, they can incorporate into the dental enamel as it forms. This integration leads to staining, discoloration, and a higher susceptibility to dental caries and other enamel defects. The adverse effects are particularly profound in children, but similar risks apply to any developing organism exposed to these antibiotics.

In contrast, other drug families, such as aminoglycosides, quinolones, and macrolides, do not have this specific affinity for calcium nor the same detrimental impact on dental enamel during development. Thus, tetracyclines stand out as the drug class with a well-documented association with dental enamel problems.