Britannica Sources used in this answer

How does congenital syphilis affect bones and teeth later in childhood?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Scanning electron micrograph of Treponema pallidum, the spirochete bacterium that is the causative agent of syphilis. — syphilis Scanning electron micrograph of *Treponema pallidum*, the spirochete bacterium that is the causative agent of syphilis.

Congenital syphilis can cause distinct developmental abnormalities in children who survive the infection. Regarding dental development, the disease is associated with the presence of notched, narrow-edged permanent incisors, which are clinically referred to as Hutchinson’s teeth.1

In terms of skeletal impact, infants with congenital syphilis may be born with various skeletal abnormalities. Furthermore, if the condition remains untreated, it can lead to the development of gummas—ulcerated lesions that can affect the bones, as well as other organs such as the skin and mucous membranes. These manifestations are part of the broader clinical picture of the disease, which may also include complications such as blindness, deafness, and damage to the central nervous system if left unaddressed.2