Oral manifestations of rickets.

Abstract

Deficiency of vitamin D produces rickets in growing children. This disease is characterized by a failure of calcification of cartilage and bone. Children with rickets show severe disturbances in the teeth and jaws. We made reference to literatures and got some oral findings.

A 15-year-old girl was referred by the physician to our Clinic for evaluation of recurrent gingival abscess of one months’ duration. She had been admitted for treatment of rickets at the Clinic of Orthopedic Surgery of Iwate Medical University.

Oral examination revealed open-bite, high arched palate, V-shaped maxillary arch, retardation of the teeth eruption, malpositioning of the teeth, gingival abscess, and severe enamel hypoplasia of both the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Dental caries were also found in these defected teeth.

Radiographic examinations revealed disappearance of lamina dura, somewhat enlarged pulp chamber and root canal, retardation of alveolar process, and reduced radiopacity. Cephalometric roentgenograms showed retardation of the vertical and horizontal growth of the maxillary bone.

We tried to conserve as many teeth as possible, and consequently the patient attained good dentition and sufficient occlusal recovery.