Pathology · single question
A patient presents with congenital syphilis. What dental finding is pathognomonic?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Mulberry molars
B) Mulberry molars — CORRECT.
Congenital syphilis causes several characteristic dental findings: Hutchinson's incisors (notched, screwdriver-shaped) and Mulberry molars (first molars with multiple small enamel nodules on the occlusal surface, resembling a mulberry). These result from spirochete damage to developing enamel organs. These are collectively called "Hutchinson's triad" (with interstitial keratitis and eighth nerve deafness).
A) Turner's tooth: Caused by local infection/trauma damaging a single tooth's enamel — not syphilis.
C) Dens invaginatus: A developmental anomaly — not associated with syphilis.
D) Taurodontism: Associated with Klinefelter syndrome and other conditions — not syphilis.
Congenital syphilis causes several characteristic dental findings: Hutchinson's incisors (notched, screwdriver-shaped) and Mulberry molars (first molars with multiple small enamel nodules on the occlusal surface, resembling a mulberry). These result from spirochete damage to developing enamel organs. These are collectively called "Hutchinson's triad" (with interstitial keratitis and eighth nerve deafness).
A) Turner's tooth: Caused by local infection/trauma damaging a single tooth's enamel — not syphilis.
C) Dens invaginatus: A developmental anomaly — not associated with syphilis.
D) Taurodontism: Associated with Klinefelter syndrome and other conditions — not syphilis.