Can babies be born with teeth? The appearance of teeth in newborns remains a surprising and infrequent occurrence yet remains possible. Natal or neonatal teeth refer to early eruptions that either appear alongside birth or emerge throughout the newborn period. The presence of a small tooth inside a newborn’s mouth indicates no major cause for concern. This article examines what leads newborns to develop teeth early and addresses safety concerns and appropriate care strategies for babies with early tooth eruption.
What Are Natal Teeth?
The presence of teeth within the baby's mouth during birth constitutes a condition known as natal teeth. Natal teeth appear at birth, whereas neonatal teeth emerge during the first thirty days of life. Research shows natal teeth emerge as a rare occurrence amongst 1 in every 2,000 to 3,000 newborn babies.
The first teeth that emerge before birth typically grow inside the base of the mouth, where future central incisors will develop. The roots of natal teeth remain underdeveloped which makes these teeth tend to be either loose or wobbly despite their similarity to typical baby teeth. This condition leads to the teeth automatically falling out or doctors needing to remove them to stop situations like choking incidents and feeding troubles.
What Do Natal Teeth Look Like?
These unusual early teeth manifest as a rare dental phenomenon that demonstrates unique markers when they form. These early teeth can look quite different from regular baby teeth, with unique features that set them apart:
- Size and Shape: These teeth normally appear smaller than usual baby teeth while also presenting a pointed and conical shape.
- Color: A yellowish color or a white appearance together with translucent features characterizes natal teeth.
- Root Development: The roots of these teeth remain underdeveloped, and hence, the teeth become more likely to be loose or fall out within the first months of birth.
- Location: These extra teeth, known as Natal teeth, appear in the lower part of the gum area, which contains the central incisor positions.
- Attachment: Loose gum attachment causes natal teeth to shift position and creates a heightened risk of swallowing the teeth or losing them unintentionally.
How Are Natal Teeth Diagnosed?
Medical identification of natal teeth occurs through physical checks conducted by pediatrician or pediatric dentist specialists, during the examination of the infant's gums, the healthcare provider checks for already erupted teeth born with the baby.
The doctor might order X-ray examinations to understand tooth structure along with root development, specifically checking for additional teeth. X-ray images provide healthcare providers with important information to check if the teeth serve as indicators of complex dental problems or medical conditions.
The diagnosis process generally remains straightforward, yet medical professionals conduct extra tests to locate any genetic or medical conditions when needed.
What Causes Natal Teeth?
Medical science has yet to establish the causes behind natal teeth formation because this developmental anomaly remains uncommon. The presence of natal teeth can develop regardless of whether an individual suffers from medical conditions. Here are some potential causes:
- Genetics: A genetic predisposition toward early tooth development in family members raises the chance that a newborn child will have teeth present at birth.
- Genetic Syndromes: The presence of natal teeth has been identified in individuals who possess the genetic conditions Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, Hallermann-Streiff syndrome and Sotos syndrome.
- Hormonal Factors: Pregnant mothers who experience hormonal imbalance or thyroid overactivity may develop teeth early in the pregnancy.
- Infections: Congenital syphilis, along with other maternal infections, result in natal teeth in some newborns.
- Environmental Factors: Certain environmental elements, which include prenatal exposure to specific medications or toxins, have been shown to affect the early emergence of teeth but remain uncommon incidents.
Natal teeth present an increased risk of formation yet still form without a detectable cause, contributing to their unpredictable development process.
What Are Possible Complications of Natal Teeth?
Natal teeth usually do not cause medical issues but their minor problems may occasionally need special medical attention. Natal teeth may create these problems, among others:
- Feeding Difficulties: The presence of natal teeth creates difficulty for breastfeeding because they can give the baby and mother pain through tongue traumas or breast irritation which affects successful feeding sessions.
- Choking Hazard: Natal teeth present a choking risk because they attach loosely to the gums, which becomes dangerous when they fall out from a young baby who cannot swallow or cough up the tooth.
- Oral Irritation or Ulcers: The rough edges of natal teeth create discomfort that leads to the development of ulcers and sores affecting the baby's tongue region and mouth tissue.
- Infection: A natal tooth-risking infection exists when it moves loose from the gums or has weak roots because such teeth then become susceptible to damage that could lead to infection.
- Speech and Developmental Delays: Natal teeth may disrupt normal oral motor skill advancement which could result in delayed speech development when they lead to persistent discomfort for the infant.
The monitoring of potential complications linked to natal teeth requires assessment by either a pediatrician or pediatric dentist to provide proper support and ensure child safety.
How Are Natal Teeth Treated?
There are different approaches to treating natal teeth based on their severity level and existing complications. Most cases of natal teeth do not need urgent care yet require basic observation to assess any future complications. The pediatric dentist will suggest extraction of the loose teeth because they create risks during feeding.
It becomes difficult for breastfeeding mothers to manage the discomfort that arises from natal teeth. The M5 Wearable Breast Pump serves as a helpful solution because it makes pumping more comfortable, which reduces discomfort during breastfeeding sessions. The M5 pump operates painlessly while offering convenient breastfeeding relief for new moms during their postpartum period.
Do Natal Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Medical experts believe that natal teeth require removal only when specific criteria like instability or feeding difficulties exist. There are instances when healthcare professionals decide to preserve natal teeth when they are stable and formed correctly and do not affect breastfeeding positively.
Pediatric dentists might recommend removing natal teeth that do not fit securely or that are too sharp or interfere with nursing. You should look for complications such as choking or oral irritation while you must seek healthcare provider advice to decide the most appropriate action.
Can Natal Teeth Be Prevented?
No scientific evidence exists to prevent the development of natal teeth throughout pregnancy. Scientific studies indicate the genetic origin, together with specific conditions, as principal factors in natal teeth development. These conditions show unpredictability because their association lies with uncommon disorders.
Prenatal health monitoring, which includes routine examinations together with maternal health screenings, remains crucial, although it cannot stop natal teeth from developing.
Are Natal Teeth Primary Teeth?
Yes, natal teeth belong to the same category as primary teeth, which are also known as deciduous teeth. The teeth present at birth form a part of the standard sequence of baby teeth in preparation for the arrival of permanent teeth.
Differences Between Natal Teeth and Primary Teeth in Babies
While both natal teeth and primary teeth are part of a baby’s set of deciduous (baby) teeth, they differ in several key aspects:
- Timing of Emergence:
Natal Teeth: These teeth appear at birth, or they emerge shortly after birth during the first few days of life.
Primary Teeth: These teeth emerge during the period from six months to one year till they reach 1 year of age and start by erupting the lower central incisors first.
- Development:
Natal Teeth: Natal teeth emerge from the gums at birth and appear undeveloped along with short roots because this combination makes these teeth likely to be loose until they automatically fall out soon after birth.
Primary Teeth: The roots of primary teeth achieve full development, so they establish strong attachments to the gums, which leads to better tooth durability.
- Size and Shape:
Natal Teeth: The appearance of natal teeth features pointed structures that are smaller than typical baby teeth and possess irregular forms resembling the shape of a cone.
Primary Teeth: Primary teeth present as round-shaped fixtures that align with regular child teeth dimensions with sizes larger than the average.
- Location:
Natal Teeth: These teeth typically form in the lower front area of the gums, which corresponds to where the central incisors would normally appear, although they can also develop elsewhere in the mouth.
Primary Teeth: The dentition of primary teeth follows a specific pattern wherein lower central incisors appear first, followed by upper central incisors, before establishing a standard sequence of emergence.
- Function:
Natal Teeth: Natal teeth exist without proper chewing function since they normally lack the required root structure.
Primary Teeth: Primary teeth perform essential roles because they allow chewing functions and support both speech aspiration and the preservation of space that future permanent teeth need for proper placement.
When to See the Doctor
Consult a pediatrician or pediatric dentist if:
- The natal teeth are loose or causing feeding difficulties.
- There is a risk of aspiration.
- The teeth are causing oral ulcers or other complications.
- You have concerns about the appearance or development of your baby's teeth.
Conclusion
While it may seem surprising, the answer to can babies be born with teeth? Yes, though it's uncommon. These early teeth, known as natal teeth, don’t usually cause serious problems but can lead to feeding issues or other concerns if left unchecked. Regular checkups and gentle care help ensure your baby’s comfort and safety. When in doubt, always consult your pediatrician or pediatric dentist for guidance.
