Tooth - abnormal shape
Hutchinson incisors; Abnormal tooth shape; Peg teeth; Mulberry teeth; Conical teeth; Connate teeth; Conjoined teeth; Microdontia; Macrodontia; Mulberry molarsAn abnormally shaped tooth is any tooth that deviates from its regular 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:
- Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening infection seen in infants whose mothers were infected with syphilis and not fu...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that involve the brain. This affects nervous system functions, such as movement, learning, hearing, seei...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Ectodermal dysplasia, anhidrotic
Ectodermal dysplasia
Ectodermal dysplasias is a group of conditions in which there is abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or sweat glands.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Incontinentia pigmenti achromians
Incontinentia pigmenti achromians
Hypomelanosis of Ito (HMI) is a very rare birth defect that causes unusual patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) skin and may be associated with e...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis is a disorder involving the abnormal development of bones in the skull and collar (clavicle) area.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
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?
Braces, fillings (bonding), and dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or bridges may be needed to correct the abnormal shape and improve the appearance and spacing 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleReferences
Dhar V. Development and developmental anomalies of the teeth. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 353.
Moore KL, Persuad TVN, Torchia MG. Integumentary system. In: Moore KL, Persuad TVN, Torchia MG, eds. The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.
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. 5th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2024:chap 2.
Review Date: 3/31/2024
Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, DDS, General Dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
All rights reserved.