HomeAnswersDentistryhutchinson's teethWhat is the cause behind crescent-shaped front teeth?

What could be the cause of crescent-shaped front teeth?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At December 16, 2017
Reviewed AtFebruary 15, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My son is two and a half years old and has very jagged (crescent-shaped) front teeth. I have brought him to two dentists. One said it appeared to be an enamel deficiency and the other said it was due to him grinding his teeth. I have never seen or heard him grind.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read through your complaint and the relevant details. I also saw the picture attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity). This is definitely not because of teeth grinding because the features of the tooth say it all. This could be something called as Hutchinson's incisors with the clear crescent shape of the teeth. There is a high possibility of his back teeth (molars) having a similar shape. If that is so, please check with a general physician if the child has any other abnormalities in the internal organs including rhinitis and rashes. Because Hutchinson's incisors is a sign of congenital syphilis (birth defect). Mostly, in syphilitic infections, permanent teeth will be affected. But here, considering your son's age it is the milk teeth that are affected. Hence, it could be as simple as enamel deficiencies which were already diagnosed. If infections are ruled out, then you need not worry about the enamel malformation because once the permanent teeth erupt, it will be resolved automatically. After a consultation with the general physician, you might choose to get the teeth filled by a dentist for cosmetic reasons. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Geethanjali. S. S
Dr. Geethanjali. S. S

Dentistry

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