Baby Born with Teeth: Should Parents Worry?

A baby born with a tooth can surprise parents. A tooth present at birth is called a natal tooth; one that appears during the first 30 days is called a neonatal tooth. Many natal teeth are part of the baby’s normal set of milk teeth. The next step is to have the tooth examined, especially if it feels loose, affects feeding or rubs against the baby’s tongue.

These are called natal teeth. Natal teeth are relatively rare, occurring in about 1 out of every 2,000 births. It can be a shock if your baby is born with teeth. But you don’t need to worry or take action unless the teeth interfere with feeding, or are a choking hazard!

What Are Natal Teeth?

Natal teeth are teeth visible when a baby is born. They most often appear in the position of the lower front teeth. Some are firmly attached; others are small or poorly supported and may move. A paediatric dentist can assess whether the tooth belongs to the normal set of milk teeth and whether it is safe to keep.

Causes of Baby born with teeth

While it may seem like a baby being born with teeth is a medical anomaly, this condition is quite common. It’s thought that at least one out of every 10 babies is born with teeth, and that number increases to one out of every three among Asian populations. The cause of a baby being born with teeth is largely unknown. Some believe that there may be a genetic component to this phenomenon, as it can run in families.

What we do know is that the presence of teeth in a baby’s mouth is caused by an abnormality in the baby’s jawbone. The bone doesn’t grow around the tooth, causing it to remain exposed, even after the rest of the baby’s mouth has formed around it.

Should a Natal Tooth Be Removed?

A natal tooth does not automatically need removal. If it is stable and the baby feeds comfortably, the dentist may recommend keeping it under observation. Treatment may be needed if the tooth is very loose, causes a sore under the tongue or makes feeding difficult. Depending on the examination, options can include monitoring, smoothing a sharp edge or extraction. Parents should never try to pull out or file the tooth at home. 

Risks associated with babies born with teeth

When your baby is born with teeth, it’s important to remember that the teeth present in their mouth don’t have a root. This means that your baby’s risk for infection is much higher than it would be if their teeth were fully formed. It’s important to take proper care of your baby’s teeth, especially when they’re still in the process of forming. You can do this by gently cleaning their mouth with a damp cloth or soft toothbrush after each feeding.

While it’s advisable to see a dentist immediately, you don’t need to be overly concerned about your baby’s teeth right away. While it’s always good to brush your teeth and see a dentist regularly, your baby’s teeth will fully develop in the next few years. You can care for your baby’s teeth in the meantime by keeping them as clean and bacteria-free as possible.

Diagnosing and treating babies born with teeth

If your baby is born with teeth, you should contact your baby’s doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will perform an examination and can likely tell you if your baby’s teeth are still forming. If your baby’s teeth are fully formed, your doctor will likely recommend that you have them removed. The best time for removing a baby’s teeth is when they’re still in the gum, as this significantly reduces the risk of infection.

However, if your baby’s teeth have broken through the gum and are fully visible. Your doctor will likely recommend that you wait until they can fully form before having them removed. While removing a baby’s teeth is a relatively quick and painless procedure, you can expect your baby to be a bit irritable afterwards. Because their teeth are the first thing to touch their food when they eat.

How to care for a baby born with teeth

In addition to keeping your baby’s teeth clean, you’ll also want to make sure to protect them from trauma. This is important to keep in mind when your baby is teething, as they’ll likely be very interested in chewing on items. You can protect your baby’s teeth from damage by keeping them away from items that can easily break. You can help prevent cavities and other dental issues by avoiding too many sugary foods. You can also try brushing your baby’s teeth with a soft baby toothbrush and water. This can help your baby get used to having their teeth brushed, which they’ll be expected to do themselves.

When to see a Dentist?

Arrange an early assessment when you notice a tooth at birth. Seek prompt advice if it moves noticeably, the baby struggles to feed, or you see a persistent sore beneath the tongue. If the baby has trouble breathing or appears to choke, seek emergency medical care. Still, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best course of action for your baby’s condition. Your doctor can examine your baby’s mouth and determine whether its teeth are fully formed or still in the process of forming.

Conclusion

A baby born with teeth usually needs an examination, not automatic treatment. The dentist will check whether the tooth is stable and whether it affects feeding or injures the tongue. A firm tooth may be kept and monitored, while a loose or troublesome tooth may need treatment.

FAQs

Is a baby born with teeth a cause for concern?

Usually there is no need to panic. Have the tooth examined so a dentist can check its stability and whether it affects feeding.

Are natal teeth permanent teeth?

Usually, natal teeth are early teeth from the normal set of milk teeth. A dentist can assess whether a tooth is an additional tooth.

Can a baby breastfeed with a natal tooth?

Many babies can. If feeding is painful or difficult, or the tooth injures the baby’s tongue, seek advice from a paediatric dentist and the baby’s doctor.

Can a loose natal tooth fall out?

It can. A noticeably loose tooth needs prompt assessment because the dentist must consider the risk of it detaching and being swallowed or inhaled.

When should my baby first see a dentist?

A natal tooth warrants an early assessment. For children generally, the first dental visit is recommended after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. 

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