Netflix’s Stranger Things was a fan favourite from the start, and one of the show’s most powerful strengths is its characters. One such character, who’s known for his “toothless smile”, is Dustin Henderson, played by Gaten Matarazzo. But did you know behind the quirky smile lies a rare medical condition called cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). Here are seven things to know about this rare genetic condition.
- CCD is a genetic disorder that affects bone and dental development. Gaten Matarazzo has always been vocal about this medical condition, which has brought public attention to this uncommon, and often misunderstood condition.
- According to Medlineplus.gov (NLM’s health information website), cleidocranial dysplasia is a condition that primarily affects development of the bones and teeth. Signs and symptoms of cleidocranial dysplasia can vary widely in severity, even within the same family.
- Apart from Dustin’s teeth, you must have noticed how he doesn’t have collarbones. This is one such trait of the condition. Individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia usually have underdeveloped or absent collarbones, which results in sloppy and narrow appearance of the shoulders.
- People with this condition often have decreased bone density and are likely to develop osteoporosis, the condition that makes bone progressively brittle and more prone to fractures.
- During delivery, women with this rare condition are more likely to have an increased risk of requiring a cesarean section as a narrow pelvis prevents the passage of the infant’s head.
- We all remember how Dustin had missing teeth in season 1. The condition is also highlighted with the character in the show. We have seen Dustin explain the condition to his bullies. Dental abnormalities are very common in CCD. It can include delayed loss of baby teeth and even delayed appearance of ‘adult’ teeth. Sometimes the teeth grow unusually shaped and even have extra teeth.
- According to Medlineplus.gov, cleidocranial dysplasia occurs in approximately one per million individuals worldwide. It is likely underdiagnosed because many affected individuals have mild signs and symptoms.
- The condition CCD is caused by mutations in the RNX2 gene. This very gene is involved in the development and maintenance of teeth, bones and cartilage. RUNX2 gene provides instructions for making a protein.
- Medline.gov notes that in about 30 percent of individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia, no mutation in the RUNX2 gene has been found. The cause of the condition in these individuals is unknown.
- CCD can be inherited in an autosomal pattern. This means one copy of the altered gene can cause the disorder. Some affected individuals inherit the mutation from one affected parent. In some rare cases, a new mutation in the gene can also cause the disorder, even in people with no such family history.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or diagnosis.