Teeth start to develop in babies a few months after their birth, but in some sporadic cases, your baby might be born with teeth that are called natal teeth. They are not harmful  and do not require any professional treatment. You may request your baby’s pediatrician to look at the teeth.

 

Newborns do not smile at the mother with full sets of teeth as natal teeth do not come more than two or, in some cases, with primary sets of teeth. But there are no proven reports on babies born with full sets of teeth. 

 

Natal teeth are not a serious condition, but they require special care, which is explained in this article, along with more details you need to know about natal teeth. 

 

What Are Natal Teeth?

 

Natal teeth are teeth that your baby has when it is born. These teeth have weak roots and are more prone to falling out prematurely. There is no proven data or study showing what causes natal teeth, but some experts and research say they may be a sign of certain conditions.

 

A study done in 2023 says that approximately 1 in 289 newborns had natal teeth, and 1 in 2,212 had neonatal teeth.

 

Characteristics of natal teeth

 

  • Typically appear in the lower front gum area (incisors)
  • Loose teeth due to undeveloped and weak roots
  • Natal Teeth can be tiny, discoloured, or irregularly shaped
  • Sometimes covered by soft tissue rather than a firm enamel layer

 

Natal teeth can be either part of the baby’s normal set of primary teeth (erupted early) or extra teeth not part of the natural dentition.

 

Difference Between Natal Teeth and Neonatal Teeth

 

Many parents confuse natal teeth with neonatal teeth, but they are different, as explained in the table below. Both types are rare and may require evaluation by a pediatric dentist to ensure they do not cause complications.

 

Feature

 Natal Teeth Neonatal Teeth
Time of Appearance

Present at birth

Erupt within the first month of life

Occurrence Rate

1 in 289 babies

 Even rarer than natal teeth, i.e. (1 in 2,212 babies)
Structure Often weak roots and loose

Slightly stronger than natal teeth

 

Should Natal Teeth Be Removed?

 

Most paediatricians do not suggest any professional treatments for removing the natal teeth because they are harmless and only need specialized care. In some cases, the extraction of natal teeth is decided by the following factors.

 

  • Looseness: When natal teeth are very loose and at high risk of falling out, they need to be extracted to prevent swallowing or choking.
  • Irritation to the baby’s tongue or mother’s breast: Some natal teeth have sharp edges that can cause discomfort while breastfeeding. In some cases, natal teeth may even cause Riga-Fede disease, where the baby rubs the tongue on the teeth, which leads to ulcers.
  • Risk of infection: In some cases, natal teeth might have incomplete structures or expose soft tissues, which can lead to the risk of developing an infection.
  • Difficulty in feeding: Removing them is suggested if the baby struggles to latch onto the breast due to natal teeth.

 

You need not worry; your pediatric dentist will suggest whether the extraction is needed after examining the natal teeth.

 

Complications Associated with Natal Teeth

 

Natal teeth are not a serious health problem, but they cause some complications. They are,

 

  • Natal teeth have weak roots and are often undeveloped, which leads to falling prematurely at any time. So, babies have the chance of accidentally swallowing their teeth. 
  • Natal teeth cause discomfort in breastfeeding as the sharp edges of the teeth may irritate the babies. Also, the interference in proper sucking leads to nutrient deficiencies. 
  • The baby may develop small ulcers on the tongue or gums due to constant friction with the teeth.

 

How to Take Care of Babies with Natal Teeth

 

Caring for newborns is important, but natal teeth need extra care to avoid complications caused by the natal teeth. Here are some tips on taking care of the baby,

 

1. Regular Check-ups

 

Visiting a pediatric dentist to show the natal teeth as soon as the birth is needed. So that they can analyze and report what needs to be done and how to take care of it.

 

2. Gentle Oral Hygiene

 

Avoid using regular toothbrushes, as they might be too harsh. Instead, use a clean, soft cloth to wipe your baby’s gums and natal teeth after feeding.

 

3. Monitor for Loose Teeth

 

Regular monitoring of the natal teeth is needed to avoid choking. If the teeth seem very loose, consult your paediatrician or dentist to prevent the risk of swallowing.

 

4. Breastfeeding Adjustments

 

Suppose the natal teeth cause discomfort while breastfeeding, try changing your baby’s feeding position. You can also consider using a silicone nipple shield to prevent nipple irritation.

 

5. Watch for Signs of Infection

 

As natal teeth are undeveloped, they can cause redness, swelling, or pus around the gums, which is a sign of infection. If you notice such symptoms, seek medical attention to avoid infection.

 

6. Manage Sharp Edges

 

If the natal teeth have sharp edges that cause ulcers, a dentist may smooth them down or cover them with dental materials to protect the baby’s mouth.

 

Takeaway

 

Natal teeth are not a serious condition but require special care because they can cause complications like discomfort in breastfeeding, increased infection, and swallowing of loose teeth. Reporting to the pediatric dentist can help decide whether to remove the natal teeth by considering the risk factors. Taking care of your baby is very important if they have natal teeth to avoid further complications. Consult with pediatric dentists at Surya Dental Care and get valuable tips on caring for babies with natal teeth.