What is Hutchinson Teeth?
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Hutchinson sign is a clinical ailment characterized by a range of symptoms. The chief among them affecting pupil, nasal, oral region and the nails. Whilst these are major symptoms that deserve attention, one often overlooked symptom namely hutchinson teeth, affects babies and causes them much inconvenience.
Babies affected by this condition have smaller teeth which are widely spaced than usual. This condition is usually present because the child is exposed to congenital syphilis when he/she is in the uterus. Present in the incisors, hutchinson teeth are different from their counterparts due to their dental anomalies.
Congenital syphilis as a bacteria is sexually transmitted and is passed on from the mother to the child usually via the placenta or during birth. It takes some time for the symptoms to show. The child suffering from congenital syphilis usually may have hearing ailments, nose and dental issues. It is vital that you refer with a doctor as soon as possible when your kid shows any of these symptoms.
These symptoms are known as the hutchinson triad since this is a very common pattern which denotes the visible presence of congenital syphilis in the body.
Combating hutchinson teeth:
Whilst dealing with the other symptoms is outside the scope of the article and your doctor might better guide you on the next steps, the common next steps when it comes to combating the symptom of dental anomalies would be to:
- Undertake dental restorations
- Install dental crowns if the situation demands for it.
- Dental bridges
- Oral fillings
It is necessary to understand that each dental anomaly is different and it is vital that you discuss myriad oral cosmetic procedures with your dentist and choose the right one to proceed. Also remember to maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
Early detection of congenital syphilis:
It is also mandatory for an early detection of congenital syphilis, so you could start the treatment in the earliest. Here are some common symptoms that helps identify congenital syphilis in a child:
- Hutchinson triad
- Skin ailments.
- Jaundice
- Issues with the lymph node
- Dental issues and poor development of teeth/abnormal growth of teeth.
- Issues in the liver and spleen.
Penicillin is commonly used to combat congenital syphilis, but time is a really important factor to consider when it comes to treatment. That is why doctors advise you to take your kid to a health center if you are able to spot the symptoms beforehand.
