The global phenomenon Stranger Things captivated audiences not just with its supernatural plot, but with its deeply relatable characters. One fan favourite, Dustin Henderson, charmed viewers with his wit and his distinctive, gap-toothed smile. What many might not know is that this signature look is linked to a real and rare medical condition that the actor portraying him, Gaten Matarazzo, lives with. The condition is called cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a genetic disorder affecting bone and dental development.
What is Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD)?
As defined by the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus, cleidocranial dysplasia is a genetic condition that primarily impacts the development of bones and teeth. The signs and symptoms can vary dramatically in severity, even among members of the same family. Gaten Matarazzo has been openly vocal about his journey with CCD, significantly raising public awareness and understanding of this often-misunderstood disorder.
Key Symptoms and Characteristics of CCD
The portrayal of Dustin Henderson offers several accurate glimpses into life with CCD. Fans will recall Dustin's missing teeth in the show's first season, a detail directly tied to the condition. Dental abnormalities are extremely common in CCD, including delayed loss of baby teeth, delayed eruption of adult teeth, unusually shaped teeth, and the development of extra teeth.
Another notable trait is related to the collarbones, or rather, the lack thereof. Individuals with CCD often have underdeveloped or completely absent collarbones. This allows the shoulders to be brought unusually close together in front of the body, contributing to a narrow shoulder appearance. Beyond these visible signs, people with this condition frequently have decreased bone density (osteopenia) and are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, making bones more brittle and prone to fractures.
Causes, Prevalence, and Inheritance
Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare condition, estimated to affect approximately one in a million individuals worldwide. Experts believe it is likely underdiagnosed, as many people exhibit only mild symptoms. The disorder is typically caused by mutations in the RUNX2 gene, which plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of bones, teeth, and cartilage.
Interestingly, in about 30 percent of diagnosed cases, no mutation in the RUNX2 gene is found, leaving the exact cause unknown. CCD follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. This means inheriting just one copy of the altered gene from an affected parent can cause the disorder. However, in some instances, the condition arises from a new, spontaneous gene mutation in individuals with no family history of CCD.
For women with CCD, childbirth can present specific challenges. The condition can cause a narrow pelvis, which often increases the risk of requiring a cesarean section delivery as the infant's head may not be able to pass through the birth canal easily.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
