Developmental Defects in Teeth

The first teeth usually erupt at the age of six months. If no teeth have erupted by the age of 1.5 years, further examination is warranted. Complete loss of teeth, i.e. anodontia is usually associated with some syndrome and requires paediatric consultations. Many teeth are usually missing in ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. Severe familial tooth agenesis may be associated with colorectal cancer. Of the minor dental defects the following require attention: a supernumerary tooth, especially in the midline of the maxilla aesthetically disturbing enamel defects missing teeth. Tetracyclines may cause discolouration and other defects in the developing teeth, and they should be avoided throughout pregnancy and in children until puberty.