What potential complication can arise from congenital syphilis?

What potential complication can arise from congenital syphilis?

• A. Early childhood caries
• B. Hutchinson's incisors
• C. Periapical abscess
• D. Periodontal disease

Answer: (B)

Congenital syphilis can lead to a variety of complications, one of which is the development of Hutchinson's incisors. These are distinctive permanent teeth often characterized by a notched appearance on the edges. This specific dental manifestation is associated with the dental alterations seen in individuals who were infected with syphilis in utero. The presence of Hutchinson's incisors serves as a clinical indicator of congenital syphilis and typically arises when syphilis affects a developing fetus during pregnancy. It reflects the impact of the infection on the body's growth and development, particularly in the formation of teeth. This highlights the broader implications of congenital syphilis beyond immediate health issues, emphasizing long-term effects that can manifest physically in the dental structure. In contrast, while early childhood caries, periapical abscesses, and periodontal disease can occur in children, they are not directly associated with congenital syphilis. Early childhood caries is primarily related to dietary habits and hygiene, periapical abscesses are usually the result of untreated dental caries or trauma, and periodontal disease occurs mainly due to plaque accumulation and other factors related to oral hygiene, rather than being a direct consequence of congenital syphilis. Thus, Hutchinson's incisors

Congenital syphilis can lead to a variety of complications, one of which is the development of Hutchinson's incisors. These are distinctive permanent teeth often characterized by a notched appearance on the edges. This specific dental manifestation is associated with the dental alterations seen in individuals who were infected with syphilis in utero.

The presence of Hutchinson's incisors serves as a clinical indicator of congenital syphilis and typically arises when syphilis affects a developing fetus during pregnancy. It reflects the impact of the infection on the body's growth and development, particularly in the formation of teeth. This highlights the broader implications of congenital syphilis beyond immediate health issues, emphasizing long-term effects that can manifest physically in the dental structure.

In contrast, while early childhood caries, periapical abscesses, and periodontal disease can occur in children, they are not directly associated with congenital syphilis. Early childhood caries is primarily related to dietary habits and hygiene, periapical abscesses are usually the result of untreated dental caries or trauma, and periodontal disease occurs mainly due to plaque accumulation and other factors related to oral hygiene, rather than being a direct consequence of congenital syphilis. Thus, Hutchinson's incisors