Syphilis can cause which dental findings in the mouth?

Syphilis can cause which dental findings in the mouth?

• A. Mulberry molars and Hutchinson incisors
• B. Gingival hyperplasia
• C. Enamel hypoplasia
• D. White spot lesions

Answer: (A)

Congenital syphilis can disrupt enamel formation during tooth development, leading to distinctive dental abnormalities. Hutchinson incisors are the permanent incisors with incisal notches and often a screwdriver-shaped appearance. Mulberry molars are molars with irregular, pitted enamel that gives a mulberry-like surface. These patterns are classic because they reflect enamel hypoplasia caused by Treponema pallidum infection in utero. Other dental findings mentioned, such as gingival overgrowth, enamel hypoplasia from different causes, or white spot lesions, do not have this specific, characteristic syphilitic pattern.

Congenital syphilis can disrupt enamel formation during tooth development, leading to distinctive dental abnormalities. Hutchinson incisors are the permanent incisors with incisal notches and often a screwdriver-shaped appearance. Mulberry molars are molars with irregular, pitted enamel that gives a mulberry-like surface. These patterns are classic because they reflect enamel hypoplasia caused by Treponema pallidum infection in utero. Other dental findings mentioned, such as gingival overgrowth, enamel hypoplasia from different causes, or white spot lesions, do not have this specific, characteristic syphilitic pattern.