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Feb 16, 2024 · Natal teeth are teeth a baby is born with. This condition is rare. It's harmless for a newborn to have teeth from birth, but it can create problems for the mother in breastfeeding.
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Did you know that babies can be born with teeth? Natal teeth (i.e., teeth that are present at birth) are relatively rare, though less rare than you might think. Approximately one out of every 2,000 to 3,500 newborns comes into the world with at least one tooth.
We will delve into the specifics of natal teeth, including their causes, appearance, and the potential complications they can cause. We’ll also discuss how natal teeth are diagnosed and the treatment options available, as well as when it is advisable to consult an orthodontist for natal teeth.
- Overview
- Causes and Prevalence of Natal Teeth
- Risk Factors for Natal Teeth
- Types of Natal Teeth
- Early Teething
- When to Seek Treatment
- The Takeaway
Teething is a normal part of a baby’s development during the first year of life. Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age. The first teeth that poke through the gums are the central incisors, which are located on the bottom front.
While most infants get their first teeth months after birth, some babies are born with one or more teeth. These are called natal teeth. Natal teeth are relatively rare, occurring in about 1 out of every 2,000 births.
Natal teeth can seem mysterious, but there are certain conditions that can increase the chances of babies being born with teeth. These teeth may be seen in babies with a cleft palate or lip. Babies who are born with irregularities in dentin (the calcified tissues that help form teeth) may also have natal teeth.
There are underlying medical issues that may cause natal teeth. These include the following syndromes:
•Sotos
•Hallerman-Streiff
•Pierre Robin
•Ellis-van Creveld
In addition to certain medical conditions, there are a few risk factors that may increase a baby’s chances of being born with teeth. About 15 percent of babies born with teeth have close family members that had natal teeth when they were born, too. These include siblings and parents.
While there are conflicting studies on the role of gender and natal teeth, females seem to be more likely to be born with teeth than males.
While some babies are born with teeth, the situation isn’t always so clear cut. There are four types of natal teeth. Your doctor can determine which case your baby has:
•fully developed, though loose, crowns affixed to a few root structures
•loose teeth that don’t have any roots at all
•small teeth just emerging from the gums
•evidence of teeth about to cut through the gums
Most cases of natal teeth involve just one tooth. Being born with multiple teeth is even more rare. Lower front teeth are the most common, followed by upper front teeth. Less than 1 percent of babies with natal teeth are born with molars.
Some babies aren’t born with teeth, but get them shortly after birth. Generally seen within the first month of life, teeth that emerge soon after birth are called neonatal teeth.
According to the journal Pediatrics, neonatal teeth are even more rare than natal teeth. In other words, your baby has a higher chance (though rare) of being born with teeth than getting teeth a few weeks after birth.
Natal teeth that aren’t loose are usually left alone. But if your baby is born with loose teeth that have no roots, your doctor might recommend surgical removal. These types of natal teeth can put your baby at risk for:
•choking from accidental swallowing of the loose tooth
•feeding problems
•tongue injuries
•injuries to the mother during breast-feeding
A loose tooth will be looked at via X-ray to determine whether a solid root structure is present. If no such structure exists, removal may be necessary.
Being born with teeth is rare, but it’s possible. If your baby has teeth at birth, be sure to talk to your pediatrician. Any loose teeth may need surgical removal to prevent hazards and health complications.
A pediatric dentist can help guide you through the process. Even if your newborn’s teeth aren’t considered an immediate concern, it’s important to monitor them to prevent any complications.
- Kristeen Cherney
Neonatal teeth are teeth that appear in the first 30 days after birth. Teeth normally begin to erupt from 6 months of age. Who gets natal and neonatal teeth and why?
Natal teeth are teeth that are present when a baby is born. They are not common. They are not the same as neonatal teeth that erupt in the child’s mouth during the first month of life. Natal teeth are often not fully developed and may have a weak root. They may be small, loose, and discolored.
People also ask
What does a natal tooth look like?
What are Natal teeth?
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What is the difference between Natal and neonatal teeth?
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What happens if you have natal teeth?
Sep 25, 2023 · Believe it or not, sometimes babies are born with teeth. These teeth are called natal teeth, and while they may look cute, they can actually cause problems for both baby and mom.
