His Tooth is Funny Looking. What is It?

Discussion Teeth are specialized anatomic parts of the human body that are developed between the ectoderm and ecomesenchyme in a complex process called odontogenesis. More than 300 genes have been identified that influence odontogenesis. Dental abnormalities can have significance for cosmesis, malocclusion, dental caries and periodontal diseases. It is not uncommon for more than 1 area to be affected. For example, Hutchinson teeth which are caused by congenital syphilis are smaller with wider spacing between the teeth within the arch, and also have a characteristic notching. Learning Point Some common dental problems that may be seen or heard about by pediatricians include: Tooth eruption Ankylosis Natal teeth Usually prematurely erupted primary teeth that are present at birth Neonatal teeth erupt in first month Usually lower incisors (85%) and maxillary incisors (11%) Developmental issues Number Anodontia No teeth Hypodontia 1 or more fewer teeth Common, usually in permanent dentitia Etiology – genetic and includes: Albright hereditary osteodystrophy Crouzon’s syndrome Down syndrome Ectodermal dysplasia Ellis-van Creveld Hallermann-Streiff Incontinentia pigmenti Progeria Hyperdontia Increased number of teeth More common in permanent teeth especially maxillary incisors Etiology includes: Apert syndrome Cleidocranial dysplasia Craniometaphyseal dysplasia Oral-Facial-Digital Size Microdontia Smaller teeth than usual, generally uncommon Maxillary...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news