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What are Natal Teeth?

T. Flanagan
T. Flanagan

Natal teeth, sometimes called fetal teeth, are present in the mouth of a baby at birth. This is an uncommon condition, appearing in only about one in 2,000 to 3,000 newborns. It is typically an isolated incident, but in rare cases their presence can indicate another health problem.

The natal teeth should not be confused with neonatal teeth. Neonatal teeth erupt in the infant's mount during the first month of life. Natal teeth actually are the infant's primary teeth, or baby teeth, that have grown while the baby was still in the womb.

Natal teeth usually are present on the lower gum and are most often the primary mandibular incisors. They often are loose and wobbly. Normally, they have an undeveloped root structure, and instead connect by soft tissue to the gums.

Tooth extraction is a possible treatment for natal teeth.
Tooth extraction is a possible treatment for natal teeth.

The presence of natal teeth is usually an isolated issue. Their presence is not necessarily an indication of any health problems. If a baby is born with all of their teeth erupted, however, that may be an indication of a hormonal condition such as hyperthroidism. Sometimes, the presence of natal teeth may be associated with other syndromes, including Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, Hallermann-Streiff syndrom, Pierre Robin syndrome, or Soto's syndrome.

Natal teeth can cause a newborn some pain. They could be sharp or formed irregularly. These teeth may make nursing difficult, or cause trauma and irritation to the tongue while nursing. Nursing mothers may also experience discomfort or pain.

Natal teeth can cause pai.
Natal teeth can cause pai.

If natal teeth show at birth, a doctor will perform a thorough examination of the mouth and document the teeth. Dental x-rays may be taken. If there are signs that any syndrome associated with natal teeth is present, testing for that condition will also be performed.

Treatment of natal teeth may involve smoothing the teeth edges to prevent discomfort during breastfeeding, or possibly tooth extraction. The teeth are only extracted if their presence causes feeding difficulties for the infant or the mother. If the teeth are especially loose, these can be removed shortly after birth to prevent the baby from inhaling the tooth.

Neonatal teeth erupt in the infant's mount during the first month of life.
Neonatal teeth erupt in the infant's mount during the first month of life.

If the natal teeth do not get removed, it is important to examine the baby's gums, tongue, and cheeks often to ensure they are not harming the baby. The teeth should also be kept clean by gently wiping them with a clean, damp cloth. If they cause a sore mouth or tongue to develop, or if the baby is having trouble nursing, a health care professional should be consulted.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

@burcinc-- Yeah, it has to do with how strong the roots are. My son's were wobbly so the were removed right after birth. But my niece was born with newborn teeth too and hers were not removed because they were very strong.

They did become a grayish color and wobbily over time though and eventually fell out. In fact, my sister was so worried that a new set of teeth wouldn't come in because she was toothless for a long time. But thankfully they did, and she has beautiful teeth now.

But my sister took her to the pediatrician and dentist multiple times in that time period. I think the second set of teeth come in a lot earlier for babies who are born with natal teeth. So they are toothless during the time when most babies are just getting teeth for the first time.

burcinc

@turkay1-- Really? I thought they just leave it be. Or maybe it has to do with how rooted they are? My daughter was born with two natal teeth on her top front gum and the doctors just left it alone. It was pretty rooted and strong though. I'm sure loose baby teeth are always removed because of the risk of choking.

Breastfeeding was definitely not fun for me. My daughter actually seemed to do well. She did have a sore from the teeth once or twice but that was all. I use to get bit by her all the time during breastfeeding though and surely didn't enjoy that.

No one at the hospital ever recommended or asked if we wanted it removed though. So we just managed it.

candyquilt

I work in a newborn nursery and sometimes we have newborn with natal teeth. But the teeth are almost always removed before the mother and child leave. If it is not removed, there is a risk of choking, breathing problems or speech problems in the future. It also makes breastfeeding very uncomfortable for both the child and mother.

Most of the time, it's a very easy process. The natal teeth don't really have roots like the article mentioned. So it doesn't cause pain to the infant while it's being removed. I've never seen local anesthesia to be necessary for it. And teeth always come up afterward when it's time. So it's not a problem at all to have them removed.

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    • Tooth extraction is a possible treatment for natal teeth.
      By: starush
      Tooth extraction is a possible treatment for natal teeth.
    • Natal teeth can cause pai.
      By: Adam Borkowski
      Natal teeth can cause pai.
    • Neonatal teeth erupt in the infant's mount during the first month of life.
      By: Francois du Plessis
      Neonatal teeth erupt in the infant's mount during the first month of life.
    • Natal teeth may cause some difficulty while nursing.
      By: Dmitriy Melnikov
      Natal teeth may cause some difficulty while nursing.
    • Natal teeth may be present in the baby's mouth at birth.
      By: freepeoplea
      Natal teeth may be present in the baby's mouth at birth.
    • Dental x-rays may be taken if natal teeth are present at birth.
      By: Andrey Armyagov
      Dental x-rays may be taken if natal teeth are present at birth.