What every parent should know about Hutchinson’s teeth?

Hutchinson's Teeth is a dental developmental anomaly characterized by peg-like or screwdriver-shaped teeth. Most teeth form abnormally as a result of calcium metabolic abnormalities. Hutchinson's teeth, on the other hand, are the result of an infectious illness known as "Congenital Syphilis". unexpectedly it is usually passed on to a child by his or her mother.

How does Congenital Syphilis affect teeth?

Congenital syphilis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This condition is easily transmitted when a person contacts an infected individual's sores, therefore adults can transmit syphilis through physical contact.

It means that infants born to affected moms become infected during delivery or via the placenta.

Babies who survive exhibit some developmental anomalies known as the Hutchinson Triad. They include:

• Hutchinson Teeth
• Labyrinthitis
• Interstitial Keratitis

Will a child develop Hutchinson teeth without syphilis?

No. Hutchinson teeth are caused by the impact of syphilis. Simply said, the indications of this disorder include notched incisors and mulberry molars.

Meanwhile, there is another severe hereditary issue known as dental dysplasia. It affects a tooth's dentition production, which leads to a root deformity. This causes the teeth to grow in an unusual form. Dental dysplasia produces malformed teeth that are not syphilitic.

What are Hutchinson’s teeth treatments available?

Dentists diagnose malformed teeth using imaging methods such as X-rays. Sometimes a blood test is required to determine whether the child has syphilis. Depending on the degree of deformation, dentists prescribe any of the following:

• Dental crowns
• Dental Bridges
• Dental fillings
• Teeth braces or other orthodontic appliances. 

Bottom line

Do you want to keep Hutchinson's teeth in your young champ?

If so, you should take efforts to treat syphilis. The good news is that if treated early enough, this illness can be cured. A pregnant woman should receive syphilis therapy before the 16th week of pregnancy.

Otherwise, the child would develop notched teeth and other Hutchinson symptoms, even if the mother was healed and recovered from syphilis. 

To know more details read the full blog at Dr Amarnathan's Dental Care website