Natal teeth are the first teeth present from birth. Teeth formation begins in the fetus around the sixth week of gestation (1). These teeth are usually inside the gums and not visible until fully formed. Therefore, most babies will have visible teeth a few months after birth. However, some babies are born with teeth, which is rare. These may cause discomfort to some and can be removed if they get loose. Keep reading the post to know about the causes and how natal teeth could affect the baby’s growth and development.
What Are Natal Teeth And Are They Common?
Natal teeth, which are highly uncommon, are teeth that are present when the baby is born (1). The probability of a child being born with natal teeth can range from one in 7000 to one in 30,000 based on different studies (2). Usually, there are no more than three natal teeth, and the chances of an infant having natal teeth are the same, irrespective of gender.
Can Natal Teeth Cause Problems To The Baby?
Yes. Natal teeth may cause complications such as:
Trouble latching to nipple: It is the leading complication observed among babies born with teeth. The presence of teeth can make it hard for the little one to properly latch onto the breast or bottle nipple, thus preventing uninterrupted feeding.
Poor feeding and impact on health: Since the baby does not feed properly, he does not get the essential nutrients. This could affect the baby’s overall development.
Fussiness: In case the teeth are embedded within the gums, the baby experiences pain that is similar to teething pain. This makes the baby irritable and fussy.
Biting the nipple: A baby with natal teeth may nip either at the breast or the bottle nipple. Repeated biting may damage the bottle nipple or make breastfeeding difficult.
Choking: A loose natal teeth could break and fall into the windpipe, resulting in fatal choking.
How Are Natal Teeth Removed?
Surgery is the only way to remove natal teeth. Keep reading for more information on the procedure (11): The pediatric dentist decides whether or not to remove natal teeth, after examining the extent of their interference in baby’s growth and development. If the teeth are strongly rooted and have no impact on the baby’s feeding, then surgery may not be required.
Do Primary Teeth replace Natal Teeth?
About 90-99% of natal teeth are primary teeth that have emerged before time. Only 1-10% are supernumerary teeth, or extra teeth in the mouth. If the baby’s natal teeth are primary, they will be replaced by permanent teeth later. Otherwise, the baby will grow primary teeth first, followed by permanent teeth after the loss of the primaries.
What Are The Types Of Natal Teeth?
The following are the four types of natal teeth (3):
Can Any Teeth Erupt As Natal Teeth?
Only the below-mentioned teeth emerge as natal teeth (4): The two lower central incisors are the most common types of natal teeth. It is significantly rare to be born with multiple sets of natal teeth.
Why Are Some Infants Born With Teeth?
The following are the most common reasons for babies having natal teeth (5):
What Is The Difference Between Natal And Neonatal Teeth?
Natal teeth are present at birth while neonatal teeth emerge within the first month (30 days) of the infant’s life. Natal teeth are three times more common than neonatal teeth, which are similar to natal teeth in appearance and where they emerge. Causes, complications, and treatment of neonatal teeth are also identical to that of natal teeth.
Can Natal And Neonatal Teeth Happen Simultaneously?
The two can happen together, but it is an extremely rare condition. The emergence of the two in succession is mainly observed in complex congenital genetic disorders.
