A Baby Born With Teeth?

Have you ever heard of a baby being born with teeth? It doesn’t happen very often, in fact, only 1 out of every 2,000 to 3,000 births.  When a baby is born with teeth they are referred to as natal teeth or fetal teeth. In most cases, if a baby is born with teeth it is nothing to worry about. However in some cases it can be related to a medical condition. Read on to find out more about babies born with teeth.

Natal vs Neonatal Teeth

Natal teeth are teeth that are present at the time of birth.  They are different from neonatal teeth. Neonatal teeth are teeth that grow within the first 30 days after birth. Natal teeth are not common, and when a baby is born with them they are usually not well-developed. They usually are attached to the gum by soft tissue with little to no root structure. They are not fully formed and are often loose or wobbly.

Disadvantages of Natal Teeth

The problems with natal teeth are as follows:

• They can cause irritation to the baby’s tongue.
• They can cause injury to the baby’s tongue.
• They can cause irritation or injury to the nursing mother.
• If the tooth is loose the child may swallow it.
• They often require removal before the baby is released from the hospital.

Medical Conditions

In the majority of cases there is no particular reason the baby is born with natal teeth. It is simply a fluke. However, there are times that natal teeth may be due to a medical condition such as:

• Soto syndrome: A genetic disorder in which the child grows too fast.
• Pierre Robin syndrome: The baby is born with a jaw that is too small.
• Hallermann-Streiff syndrome: A rare disorder characterized by facial and dental abnormalities.
• Ellis-van Creveld syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the growth of bones

If your child is born with natal teeth clean them with a soft, clean, damp cloth and report any sores that develop in their mouth or on their tongue.

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.