Dental Evaluation Discloses Undetected Systemic Condition: A Case Report

Aim: The significance of dental examination in identifying the underlying systemic condition.

Case Presentation: A 10 year old female patient reported with the complaint of pain since 1 week, also presence of milk teeth till this age. On Examination, short stature, macroglossia, retained deciduous teeth and delayed development of permanent dentition when compared with dental age and chronological age were revealed. Considering the clinical and radiographic condition thyroid dysfunction was suspected which is the second most common endocrine system glandular disorder, and it can manifest in any system of the body, including the mouth. Excess or deficiency of these hormones has a negative impact on the oral cavity. Based on dental features, we present this case of a child with undiagnosed hypothyroidism.

Conclusion: Hashimoto’s disease is the common cause of hypothyroidism in children and adolescents. Since oral manifestations of hypothyroidism are uncommon, which may lead to in correct diagnosis and subpar patient care. Therefore, it is important for the dentist to know the oral manifestations of systemic disease to promptly identify the underlying condition.