Mulberry molars are caused by congenital syphilis and are characterized by dwarf molars with enamel growths on the cusps. They can be fixed with crowns, bridges or implants. The deformity is a late-stage marker for the disease and pregnant women should be treated to prevent transmission to the baby.
Mulberry molars are physically defective permanent molars. The deformity is caused by congenital syphilis. This type of anomaly is characterized by dwarf molars with cusps covered by globular growths of enamel. These teeth are functional but can be fixed aesthetically with crowns, bridges or implants.
Just above the gum line, the mulberry molar looks normal. A deformity becomes apparent towards the cusp or upper grinding surface of the tooth. Here, the size of the mulberry molar is reduced in all respects, creating a squat version of a conventional molar. The cause of molar atrophy is thought to be enamel hypoplasia or a deficiency of tooth enamel. The tooth’s underlying dentin and pulp are normal, but the enamel cover or molar sheath is thin and misshapen, creating a smaller version of a typical tooth.
The grinding surface of a mulberry molar is also damaged. Normally, the grinding surface of a molar has a pit and is surrounded by a circular ridge at the top of the tooth, which is used for grinding. Mulberry molar cusp deformity is characterized by an extremely shallow or completely absent fossa. Instead, the well area is filled with globular structures clustered along the entire upper surface of the cusp. This type of deformity is also thought to be caused by enamel hypoplasia.
Mulberry molars are usually functional and do not need treatment. If the deformity is severe or the person is bothered by their teeth, there are several options. The teeth can be covered with a permanent cast crown, a stainless steel crown, or the molars can be removed and an implant or bridge can be placed in place of the mulberry molar.
A mulberry molar is caused by congenital syphilis, which is passed from mother to baby in the womb via the placenta. Because this particular congenital syphilis symptom manifests later in childhood with the eruption of the permanent molars, it is a late-stage marker for the disease. Hutchinson’s teeth, marked by dwarf teeth and deformed cusps that are abnormally spaced, are another dental deformity caused by congenital syphilis. Mulberry molars and Hutchinson teeth often occur together. Pregnant women with syphilis should inform their doctors about the condition and be treated during pregnancy, otherwise the baby should be screened for the disease after birth and treated with penicillin if necessary.
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