American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Cretinism, which is associated with congenital hypothyroidism, significantly impacts various physiological processes in the body, including dental development. Delayed tooth eruption is a notable characteristic linked to this condition due to the disruption in thyroid hormone levels that influence growth and development. Additionally, individuals with cretinism often present with craniofacial abnormalities, such as prominent foreheads and flattened nasal bridges, contributing to distinct facial features.

While the other conditions listed may have implications for dental health or craniofacial structure, they don't specifically highlight the same combination of delayed tooth eruption and the unique craniofacial abnormalities seen in cretinism. Treacher Collins syndrome primarily affects craniofacial development but doesn’t typically correlate with delayed eruption in the context of hypothyroidism. Marfan syndrome, although it involves connective tissue abnormalities, has less emphasis on tooth eruption timing. Down syndrome can exhibit various dental and facial characteristics, but the association with hypothyroidism and delayed tooth eruption is particularly significant in the context of cretinism.