Key Symptoms Linked To Werner Syndrome

Dental Abnormalities

Individuals affected by Werner syndrome can exhibit dental abnormalities. The first mechanism that causes these abnormalities in the patient's oral structure and function is due to slow and abnormal tooth development. An affected individual's tooth enamel may not fully develop, leaving the teeth extremely vulnerable to damage and decay. The teeth may develop and emerge misshapen, causing everyday tasks such as eating, speaking, and practicing dental hygiene to be challenging. Other mechanisms that cause Werner syndrome patients to have dental abnormalities include the abnormal cycle of bone recycling. A healthy individual's body breaks down old bone and produces new bone to replace it. However, individuals with Werner syndrome do not have this ability, and instead, the old bone is broken down and is not sufficiently replaced. This malfunction causes the bone density to decrease in the body. The jawbones are bones that can be affected by progressive bone loss in those who have Werner syndrome. Loss of density in the jawbone can cause teeth to fall out prematurely.