Hutchinson's teeth

Hutchinson's teeth is a term used in medicine to describe a specific form of tooth abnormality. This condition is typically associated with congenital syphilis, a disease that is passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. The teeth affected by this condition are usually the upper central incisors, which may appear smaller and more widely spaced than normal. They may also have a notched, or "screwdriver," appearance.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of Hutchinson's teeth is the abnormal appearance of the teeth. This can include:

Teeth that are smaller than normal
Teeth that are more widely spaced than normal
Teeth that have a notched or "screwdriver" appearance

Causes[edit | edit source]

Hutchinson's teeth is typically caused by congenital syphilis, a disease that is passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. This can occur if the woman has syphilis and it is not treated during pregnancy.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Hutchinson's teeth typically involves a physical examination of the teeth. A doctor may also order tests to confirm the presence of syphilis, such as a blood test or a test of the fluid from the sores.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for Hutchinson's teeth typically involves treating the underlying cause, which is usually congenital syphilis. This can involve a course of antibiotics. In some cases, dental surgery may be required to correct the appearance of the teeth.