Last updated: 5/14/2024
Years published: 1987, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2006, 2020, 2024
NORD gratefully acknowledges Zachary Cheng and Paulina An, NORD editorial interns from the University of Notre Dame, and Timothy Wright, DDS, MS, Bawden Distinguished Professor, Pediatric and Public Health, Adams School of Dentistry, The University of North Carolina, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Summary
Tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that belongs to a group of diseases known as ectodermal dysplasias. Ectodermal dysplasias typically affect the hair, teeth, nails and/or skin. TDO syndrome may be apparent at birth due to kinky curly hair that is present in all affected newborns with hair. TDO syndrome is characterized by kinky or curly hair; poorly developed tooth enamel; and unusual thickness and/or denseness (sclerosis) of the top portion of the skull (calvaria), long bones (i.e., bones in the arms and legs), jaw and spine. These skeletal abnormalities can be seen in children as young as three years of age but are more noticeable with increasing age. Some affected children also have abnormally thin, brittle nails. Most affected children have a relatively normal head shape, but some may have some variation in head shape. The treatment of TDO syndrome is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual.
TDO syndrome is characterized by abnormalities of the hair, teeth, bones and/or nails. In addition, infants and children with TDO syndrome have tight, kinky or curly hair that may also be unusually dry. Hair can straighten in childhood even by four years of age. The hair tends to remain unruly and wavy even after straightening from small tight curls. Some individuals with the disorder also have unusually long eyelashes and eyebrows.
All individuals with TDO syndrome have dental abnormalities that affect both the primary (deciduous) and secondary (permanent) teeth, but the range of severity is extremely variable. The tooth enamel is underdeveloped (enamel hypoplasia), with diminished mineral accumulation (hypomineralization). As a result, the tooth enamel may be abnormally thin, soft and pitted and often discolored (i.e., yellowish-brown). Hypersensitivity of the teeth is commonly reported. Both the primary and secondary molars may be abnormally shaped (i.e., โprismโ shaped) and the chambers within the teeth that contain pulp may be abnormally large (taurodontism). In addition, many teeth may also have unusually short, open roots. As a result, the teeth may be highly prone to decay (dental caries) and infection (abscess) that may cause swelling and pain. Some affected individuals also exhibit widely spaced teeth; decreased tooth width (microdontia); premature (precocious) or delayed tooth eruption and secondary teeth that become impacted in the gums. Affected individuals may lose their teeth early, typically in the second or third decade of life.
Some individuals with TDO syndrome also have abnormalities of the nails. Fingernails and/or toenails may be unusually thin and brittle. In addition, the upper (superficial) layers of the nail may be prone to splitting.
Other reported abnormalities include impacted teeth and curvature of fingers (clinodactyly).
TDO syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a change (disease-causing variant) in the DLX3 gene. Several different variants in the DLX3 gene have been reported. This gene is a member of the distal-less homeobox gene family. The disorder occurs because of a deletion in this gene that leads to a DLX3 protein product that is shorter than normal and does not function normally. Research has shown that the DLX3 gene plays a role in the patterning of the part of the embryo that leads to the formation of skin, teeth and ectoderm, as well as the formation of bones. This explains the presentation of the symptoms associated with TDO syndrome.
TDO syndrome follows autosomal dominant inheritance. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of a disease-causing gene variant is necessary to cause the disease. The gene variant can be inherited from either parent or can be the result of a new (de novo) changed gene in the affected individual that is not inherited. The risk of passing the gene variant from an affected parent to a child is 50% for each pregnancy. The risk is the same for males and females.
TDO syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that affects males and females in equal numbers. Approximately 12 affected families (kindreds) have been reported in the medical literature.
TDO syndrome may be suspected shortly after birth based on family history, a thorough clinical evaluation and characteristic physical findings (e.g., extremely kinky hair, certain craniofacial abnormalities, dysplastic nails). Genetic testing for variants in the DLX3 gene can confirm the diagnosis. To date, researchers have identified nine different variants in the DLX3 gene that cause TDO. The diagnosis is typically confirmed between the ages of six months to one year, when certain dental abnormalities may become apparent.
Various specialized tests may contribute to diagnosis and characterization of certain associated abnormalities. For example, examination of tooth enamel under a microscope that uses an electron beam (electron microscopy) may reveal an abnormally thin enamel layer with scattered, random pits. Specialized X-ray studies may demonstrate abnormal thickening and/or density (sclerosis) of specific bones (calvaria and/or long bones) and/or other skeletal abnormalities (e.g., craniosynostosis, dolichocephaly).
Treatment
The treatment of TDO syndrome is focused on the specific symptoms apparent in each individual and requires the coordinated efforts of a team of specialists. Pediatricians, specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the bones (orthopedists), dental specialists and other health care professionals may be required to address the individualโs clinical symptoms.
Specific therapies for the treatment of TDO syndrome are symptomatic and supportive. Dental abnormalities associated with the disorder may be treated with a variety of techniques. Treatment is based on keeping teeth from wearing rapidly and exposing the pulp which causes abscess formation. Teeth can be treated with bonding and crowns to preserve the dentition. Dental specialists may obtain regular X-rays and take other steps to monitor dental development in the case of premature or delayed tooth eruption, to detect impacted secondary teeth and/or to help prevent, detect and/or treat other dental abnormalities.
A variety of procedures may be used to restore improperly developed teeth to help prevent decay, abscess and/or early tooth loss. Artificial teeth and/or other devices (prosthetics) such as dental implants may be used to replace lost or absent teeth. In addition, dental surgery and/or other corrective procedures may be undertaken to correct other dental abnormalities.
Early intervention may be important to ensure that children with TDO syndrome reach their potential. Special services that may be beneficial for affected children include special social support and other medical, social and/or vocational services.
Genetic counseling is recommended for affected individuals and their families. Other treatment for this disorder is symptomatic and supportive.
Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at https://clinicaltrials.gov/. All studies receiving U.S. Government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: [email protected]
Some current clinical trials also are posted on the following page on the NORD website:
https://rarediseases.org/living-with-a-rare-disease/find-clinical-trials/
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
http://www.centerwatch.com/
For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
(Please note that some of these organizations may provide information concerning certain conditions potentially associated with this disorder [e.g., dental abnormalities, craniofacial malformations, etc.].)
JOURNAL ARTICLES
Whitehouse LLE, Smith CEL, Poulter JA, et al. Novel DLX3 variants in amelogenesis imperfecta with attenuated trichoโdentoโosseous syndrome. Oral Diseases. 2018;25(1):182-191. doi:10.1111/odi.12955
Jain P, Kaul R, Saha S, Sarkar S. Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome and precocious eruption. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry. 2017:0-0. doi:10.4317/jced.53348
Zhao N, Han D, Liu H, et al. Senescence: novel insight into DLX3 mutations leading to enhanced bone formation in tricho-dento-osseous syndrome. Scientific Reports. 2016;6(1). doi:10.1038/srep38680
Li Y, Han D, Zhang H, et al. Morphological analyses and a novel de novo DLX3 mutation associated with tricho-dento-osseous syndrome in a Chinese family. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 2015;123(4):228-234. doi:10.1111/eos.12197
Nguyen T, Phillips C, Frazier-Bower S, Wright T. Craniofacial variations in the tricho-dento-osseous syndrome. Clin Genet. 2013 Apr;83(4):375-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2012.01907.x
Al-Batayneh OB. Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome: diagnosis and dental management. Int J Dent. 2012;2012:514692. doi:10.1155/2012/514692
Price JA, Wright JT, Walker, et al. Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome and amelogenesis imperfecta with taurodontism are genetically distinct conditions. Clin Genet 1999;56:35-40.
Price JA, Bowden DW, Wright JT, et al. Identification of a mutation in the DLX3 associated with tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome. Hum Molec Genet 1998;7:563-569.
Price JA, Wright JT, Kula K, et al. A common DLX3 gene mutation is responsible for tricho-dento-osseous syndrome in Virginia and North Carolina families. J Med Genet 1998;35:825-828.
Wright JT, Kula K, Hall K, et al. Analysis of the tricho-dento-osseous syndrome genotype and phenotype Am J Med Genet 1997;72:197-204.
Crawford PJM and Aldred MJ. Amelogenesis imperfecta with taurodontism and the tricho-dento-osseous syndrome:separate conditions or a spectrum of disease. Clin Genet 1990;38:44-50.
Shapiro SD, Quattromani FL, Jorgenson RJ, et al. Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome: heterogeneity or clinical variability. Am J Med Genet 1983;16:225-236.
INTERNET
McKusick VA, ed. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University; Entry No. 190320; Last Update: 02/12/2024. https://www.omim.org/entry/190320 Accessed April 24, 2024.
NORD strives to open new assistance programs as funding allows. If we donโt have a program for you now, please continue to check back with us.
NORD and MedicAlert Foundation have teamed up on a new program to provide protection to rare disease patients in emergency situations.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/medicalert-assistance-program/Ensuring that patients and caregivers are armed with the tools they need to live their best lives while managing their rare condition is a vital part of NORDโs mission.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/rare-disease-educational-support/This first-of-its-kind assistance program is designed for caregivers of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/caregiver-respite/The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) does not endorse the information presented. The content has been gathered in partnership with the MONDO Disease Ontology. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.
The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
View reportOrphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.
View reportOnline Mendelian Inheritance In Man (OMIM) has a summary of published research about this condition and includes references from the medical literature. The summary contains medical and scientific terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. OMIM is authored and edited at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
View report