Dental developmental defects due to mercurial treatment in a child from Late Middle Age Getap (Armenia)

Abstract

The morphology of the teeth can vary due to genetic factors, infectious diseases and other environmental stresses. In the past, treatment of congenital syphilis with mercury also interrupted dental processes. This resulted in significantly different dental signs. An incomplete skeleton of a 1.5-year-old child with suspected congenital syphilis was found in the Getap monument of Armenia. Part of the skeleton was recovered, and only the teeth and the skull show changes. These dental abnormalities resemble teeth affected by mercurial treatment in congenital syphilitic patients as described by Hutchinson.  This is the first probable case of congenital syphilis from Armenia.