May 17, 2023
As parents eagerly await the arrival of their newborn, many wonder about the different milestones and developmental stages. One popular question is whether babies can be born with teeth. It’s a fascinating topic that sparks curiosity in eager parents-to-be and experienced ones. This article will explore the causes and treatment options available for natal teeth in infants.
In rare cases, babies can be born with a condition called natal teeth or neonatal teeth. This is when one or more baby teeth appear in the front of their mouth shortly after birth. These teeth are usually smaller and softer than adult-like teeth and can quickly come loose within a few days or weeks after birth.
It is important to note that infants born with natal or neonatal teeth should be monitored to ensure they grow correctly and avoid infections or other potential problems. Since natal or neonatal teeth occur so rarely, it is best to consult with your pediatric dentist about any concerns you might have about your child's oral health care needs.
The causes of natal teeth are still largely unknown. However, they are common in infants with developmental problems such as Sotos Syndrome, Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, Hallermann-Streiff syndrome, and Pachyonychia Congenita. Other possible causes of natal teeth include:
The good news is that it usually does not. While the baby's teeth may look unusual, they are usually harmless and do not cause serious issues for the baby or mother. However, the extra teeth can sometimes cause complications such as difficulty breastfeeding and an increased risk of infection.
If the extra teeth are causing problems, your pediatric dentist may recommend removing them. The extraction typically happens after the baby turns three months old when anesthesia from the dental office is safer for them. It is essential to note that the extraction of natal teeth can be a bit complicated.
Sometimes, your doctor may suggest capping the tooth instead of extracting it. However, this is rare. In most cases, natal teeth don't require any treatment and will eventually fall out when the permanent tooth grows in.
At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves the best possible start to their oral health journey. That's why we offer a full range of pediatric dental services, from frenectomies to emergency dental treatment. We can help diagnose issues with your baby’s teeth and recommend a treatment plan tailored to their needs. Contact us today to schedule your next dental appointment with Dr. Patel.
We accept all PPO insurance plans. We do not accept Medicaid or HMO policies. For our uninsured patients, ask us about our Membership Plan, Pinky Perks!
