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Tooth - abnormal shape
Hutchinson incisors; Abnormal tooth shape; Peg teeth; Mulberry teeth; Conical teeth
An abnormally shaped tooth is any tooth that has an irregular shape.
Considerations
The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can affect tooth shape, tooth color, and when they grow in. Some diseases can lead to absence of teeth.
Causes
Some diseases that can cause abnormal tooth shape and growth are:
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Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening infection seen in infants. A pregnant mother who has syphilis can spread the ...
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Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that can involve brain and nervous system functions, such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking...
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Ectodermal dysplasia
, anhidrotic
Ectodermal dysplasia
Ectodermal dysplasia is a group of conditions in which there is abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or sweat glands.
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Incontinentia pigmenti achromians
Incontinentia pigmenti achromians
Hypomelanosis of Ito is a rare birth defect that causes unusual patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) skin and possible neurological and skeletal ...
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Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis is a disorder involving the abnormal development of bones in the skull and collar (clavicle) area. The condition is passed ...
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders marked by extremely loose joints, very stretchy (hyperelastic) skin that bruises easil...
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Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Talk to a dentist or health care provider if the shape of your child's teeth appears to be abnormal.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The dentist will examine the mouth and teeth. You will be asked questions about your child's medical history and symptoms, such as:
- Does your child have any medical conditions that may cause abnormal tooth shape?
- At what age did the teeth appear?
- In what order did the teeth appear?
- Does your child have other tooth problems (color, spacing)?
- What other symptoms are also present?
Fillings, dental restorations, crowns, or bridges may be needed to correct the abnormal shape and improve the appearance of the teeth.
Dental x-rays and other diagnostic tests may be done.
Dental x-rays
Dental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body...
References
Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC. Abnormalities of teeth. In: Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC, eds. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology . 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2016:chap 2.
Tinanoff N. Development and developmental anomalies of the teeth. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2015:chap 307.
Review Date: 2/22/2016
Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
