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Down Syndrome Dental Features — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateHuman DiseaseDown Syndrome Dental FeaturesMFDS Part 1

Which combination of dental findings is most characteristic of Down syndrome (trisomy 21)?

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Correct answer: EMicrodontia, hypodontia and taurodontism

The correct answer is E. Down syndrome is associated with a high prevalence of developmental dental anomalies, particularly microdontia, hypodontia and taurodontism. Taurodont teeth have an enlarged, apically extended pulp chamber with apical displacement of the pulpal floor. Multiple supernumerary teeth with delayed exfoliation and dentigerous cysts are more characteristic of cleidocranial dysplasia, making E an important distractor. Premature eruption and generalised hyperdontia are not characteristic of Down syndrome, excluding B. Accelerated eruption, enamel hypermineralisation and generalised ankylosis are also not recognised characteristic combinations. People with Down syndrome additionally have increased susceptibility to periodontal disease, but this is separate from the developmental anomaly pattern tested here.

Reference: Cihangir I, Kizilci E. Dental anomalies and dental age in children with Down syndrome: a comparative retrospective study with healthy controls. BMC Oral Health. 2026;26:1245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42163284/