Hutchinson's teeth

Last reviewed 01/2018

These are the characteristic mal-formed teeth of congenital syphilis. They occur due to spirochaetal infection during development, and erupt in the sixth year of life.

The incisor teeth are abnormally small and have a pointed or screwdriver shape. The enamel is defective and the biting surface of the incisors becomes notched. Repeated caries occur, and gradual destruction of the tooth takes place.

Hutchinson's triad occurs in congenital syphilis and is:

  • deafness
  • keratitis
  • pointed teeth