What Is the Difference Between Natal Teeth and Neonatal Teeth in Babies?
You may be surprised to see a baby born with full set of teeth.According to research, natal teeth are present at birth andneonatal teeth erupt within the first month of life (Mhaske S et al., 2013).
There are many misconceptions that accompany the eruption of a tooth at the time of birth or much earlier than anticipated(Mhaske S et al., 2013).
Natal teeth are more common than neonatal teeth, at approximately a 3:1 ratio(Mhaske S et al., 2013).
There are different types of natal teeth that a pediatric dentist might educate you on. They include teeth that haven’t broken through the gums yet but are really close to doing so, tiny teeth just showing above the gums, teeth are loose because they don’t have any roots, or loose and fully developed teeth that are affixed to a few roots.Neonatal teeth are teeth that show up earlier than expected.
What Are Neonatal Teeth?
These teeth will typically erupt a few months after the baby is born, and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, neonatal teeth are not as common as natal teeth.
In the case of neonatal teeth, the babies might begin showing symptoms of teething earlier than expected, and although babies might fuss while teething, the teeth may not erupt for another one or two months.
If you are concerned about neonatal teeth, you should speak to your pediatric dentist who will guide you on the best course of action, if any is required. Remember, neonatal teeth and natal teeth are not very common, and in addition the likelihood of your baby requiring any form of intervention is very low.
What Are Natal Teeth?
Natal teeth are teeth that are present at the baby’s birth.If your baby is born with teeth, there is no needto worry because natal teeth generally occur in about one out of every 2000 births.It can be normal. If your baby has natal teeth, your dentist will be able to help you determine the cause.
What Causes Natal Teeth?
There are different conditions that can increase the chance of a baby born with teeth. These include a cleft palate or cleft lip or other different syndromes.
It can be normal for babies to be born with one or two teeth, but if you are concerned, you should seek advice and recommendations from your pediatric dentist sooner rather than later to minimize any chances for complications, and provide the best chance of proper tooth development for your baby.
What Are The Symptoms Of Natal Teeth?
If your baby’s teeth are loose or not fully developed, your dentist might advise that the teeth be removed, which can help protect your baby from risks associated with the premature development of teeth. Some of these risks include feeding problems, injuries to the breast-feeding mother, injuries to the baby’s tongue from the teeth, and choking or swallowing any loose teeth.
How Are Natal Teeth Diagnosed?
Your pediatric dentist will likely perform an x-ray to observe the tooth and determine if your baby’s natal or neonatal teeth have enough root structure to remain safely in your baby’s mouth, or if it is necessary for the teeth to be extracted.
Your dentist will be able to determine if the tooth will likely develop properly or if there are any chances for complications. When, in doubt, seek advice from your trusted pediatric dentist to eliminate any chances for complications. Early detection and treatment of these teeth are recommended to ensure that they do not cause deformity or injure the tongue, and do not cause dehydration, or a reduction in the nutrients that the baby will be able to take in.
A baby that is not eating well because of teeth problems could be at risk of growth problems.
What Is Natal Teeth Treatment?
Your pediatric dentist, or a dental surgeon, might recommend that any early teeth be removed to prevent complications. Another reason why it might be necessary for the removal is that these teeth might be accompanied by other dental issues, such as pain on suckling and feeding, for both mother and child.
There are many different misconceptions and thoughts in different cultures about babies born with teeth, and those who develop teeth earlier than expected. The best way to calm one’s fears is to visit a pediatric dentist who can thoroughly examine your baby’s mouth.
What Are Possible Complications of Natal Teeth?
As mentioned above, possible complications of natal teeth can include growth retardation, problems feeding because of pain on suckling, and pain for the breast-feeding mom due to the presence of the teeth. Your child may also get an ulcer on the tongue called a traumatic lingual ulceration caused by lower front natal teeth.
Other complications include injuries to the tongue and mouth, dehydration, and your child may refuse to eat. Depending on the ethnic group of the child, and where the child is born, the child may be subject to poor treatment because of superstitious beliefs.
In ancient Rome, a child born with teeth was thought to be destined for success and received the name Dentatus to show that they were one of the lucky ones. However, in places like India, China, and Poland, a baby born with teeth is bad luck and is thought to bring that bad luck with them.
If your baby is born with teeth, or you have babies born with teeth, you should seek help from your pediatric dentist.
Feel free to visit ivanovortho.com to book an appointment with a pediatric dentist to learn more about baby’s born with teeth. It is always better to be safe than sorry and well informed than to ignore any concerns you might have. It will help keep your baby safe and provide them with the best foundation in life.
Reference:
Mhaske, S., Yuwanati, M. B., Mhaske, A., Ragavendra, R., Kamath, K., &Saawarn, S. (2013). Natal and neonatal teeth: an overview of the literature. ISRN pediatrics, 2013, 956269.https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/956269