The first descriptions of clinical cases that might correspond to what we would now classify as ectodermal dysplasias date from 1792. Charles Darwin also cited cases of ectodermal dysplasia in a book he published in 1875. In 1929, Dr. A. A. Weech was the first to coin the term “ectodermal dysplasia” in the medical literature….
My Story
By Kaitlyn Squibb I was born in the spring of 1997, and before I was a year old, I was diagnosed with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. When I was just nine months old, I would get really high fevers from teething and ear infections and my parents couldn’t get the fevers to come down. My parents…
Keegan’s Dental Adventure – Part 3
(This story is part three of a three-part story. Read part one and part two.) By Lindsey James People are often surprised to learn that Keegan wears an upper denture, and I’m fairly certain no one has ever noticed that he has no lower teeth. He is able to speak clearly and doesn’t have much…
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth
At Christmastime, I am reminded of many happy childhood traditions and memories. Some of my favorite memories involve snuggling up to watch Miracle on 34th Street, or leaping around the family room in a tutu along with The Nutcracker. (I will gleefully reenact this now, except without the tutu.) When I was growing up, we had…
I Have AEC, and I Can Run
After running the Hot Chocolate 5K in 2013, and thoroughly enjoying myself, I set a goal for myself to run at least three 5K’s and a 15K before the end of 2014. It had been years since I last ran competitively, but I’ve learned a thing or two about smashing limits in my lifetime. As…
Keegan’s Denture Adventure – Part 2
(This story is part two of a three-part story. Read part one.) By Lindsey James I have always enjoyed going to the dentist. As a child, my great-aunt worked as an assistant to my dentist. Visits to Dr. Gary meant seeing Aunt Linda… and getting to pick a prize from the beloved treasure chest. I…
Gratitude
Here in the United States, Thanksgiving is the time of year where we traditionally reflect on our lives and consider all that we are grateful for. Being able to appreciate what you have is a valuable skill. In a New York Times article, John Tierny states that the positive attitude that comes from cultivating an “attitude…
Celebrate Family Health History Day!
In 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General declared Thanksgiving Family Health History Day. Family history is important for everyone: it is one of the strongest factors influencing risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Understanding the risks can enable you to take specific steps to reduce your chances of developing these conditions. For families with rare…