Health Encyclopedia

Natal teeth

Definition

Natal teeth are teeth that are already present at the time of birth. They are different than neonatal teeth, which grow in during the first 30 days after birth.

Alternative Names

Fetal teeth

Considerations

Natal teeth are relatively uncommon, appearing in about one in every 2,000 to 3,000 births. Although the majority of natal teeth are isolated incidents, their presence may be associated with some syndromes.

Natal teeth generally develop on the lower gum where the central incisors will be. They have little root structure and are attached to the margin of the gum by soft tissue and are often wobbly.

Natal teeth are usually not well formed but they are firm enough that, because of their placement, they may cause irritation and trauma to the infant's tongue while he is nursing. Natal teeth may also be uncomfortable for a nursing mother.

Frequently, natal teeth are removed shortly after birth while the newborn infant is still in the hospital, especially if the tooth is loose and the child runs a risk of aspiration, or "breathing in" the tooth.

Common Causes

Isolated instance (most common)
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Hallermann-Streiff syndrome
Pierre Robin syndrome
Soto's syndrome

Home Care

If the teeth are not removed, keep them clean by gently wiping the gums and teeth with a clean, damp cloth. Examine the infant's gums and tongue frequently to make sure the teeth are not causing injury.

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor if an infant with natal teeth develops a sore tongue or mouth or other symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Documenting natal teeth in detail may include the following questions:

Were any other family members born with teeth? Did they later develop any problems?
Are any other symptoms present?

Note: This finding is usually discovered by the health care provider during the initial examination of the infant, and often no further documentation is needed other than just to note that there were teeth present at birth.

The physical examination will include thorough examination of the mouth, and dental X-rays may be considered. If there are signs of any condition that can be associated with natal teeth, examination and testing for that condition will be performed.

Note: Most often natal teeth occur as an isolated incident.

Review Date:8/8/2007
Reviewed By:Michael Kapner, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New Rochelle, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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