Malformations of teeth

Abstract

Although much is known about normal tooth development, many details await investigation and it is hardly surprising, therefore, that we know relatively little about the changes in the tooth germ that lead to the range of congenital tooth abnormalities that are generally recognized. Clearly, disturbance of the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions known to be under homeobox gene control can markedly disturb tooth development. Also, splitting of a tooth germ or joining of adjacent germs can be responsible for some of the variations in tooth numbers and shape. Trauma and infection of the deciduous predecessors have also been implicated in the malformation of the succeeding permanent teeth. Malformations of teeth can occur in the deciduous or permanent dentition, although they are more common in the permanent dentition. This may reflect the stable environment of the child prior to birth.