It’s not common, but every so often a baby is born with one or more teeth. This can be a surprising and even alarming occurrence for parents and caregivers, but there’s usually no reason to panic. In most cases, these “natal teeth” are harmless and will eventually fall out on their own.

However, there are some cases where natal teeth can be a cause for concern and may require medical attention. In this article, we’ll explore what causes natal teeth, the possible complications that can arise, and what you can do as a parent or caregiver if your baby is born with teeth.

Being informed about this rare but possible occurrence can help alleviate any anxieties you may have and prepare you to make informed decisions about your baby’s dental health.

Myth or Reality?

Introduction

Babies born with teeth is a rare phenomenon that has been talked about for centuries. Some people believe that it is a myth, while others are convinced that it is a reality. In this article, we will explore the truth behind this topic and determine whether babies can truly be born with teeth or not.

What the experts say

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, only 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 babies are born with teeth. While it is possible for babies to be born with teeth, it is not very common. The teeth that babies are born with are called ‘natal teeth’ and they usually only have one or two teeth.

Experts suggest that this condition is not harmful to the baby, but it may cause discomfort while breastfeeding. In some cases, the natal teeth may be loose and can be removed to avoid any complications.

Explanation of the myth

The reason why some people believe that all babies are born with teeth is due to a cultural myth. In some cultures, it is believed that if a baby is born with teeth, it is a sign of good luck or that the baby will be a strong and powerful leader. This myth has been passed down from generation to generation and is still widely believed in some parts of the world.

However, this belief is not supported by any scientific evidence and is simply a cultural tradition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, babies being born with teeth is a rare phenomenon that can occur in some cases. While it may cause discomfort during breastfeeding, it is not harmful to the baby. However, the belief that all babies are born with teeth is simply a cultural myth that has been passed down through generations. It is important to rely on scientific evidence rather than cultural beliefs when it comes to understanding health and wellness.

Types of Teeth That Can Be Present at Birth

Babies can sometimes be born with teeth, and these teeth can be categorized into two types:

Natal teeth

Natal teeth are teeth that are present at birth and usually appear on the lower gum line. They are relatively rare and are usually small, sharp and poorly formed. Natal teeth are not fully developed and may cause discomfort while nursing, so they may need to be removed.

Erupted teeth

Erupted teeth are teeth that have emerged from the gums at birth or shortly thereafter. These teeth typically come in pairs, and the most commonly affected are the lower central incisors. These teeth are fully formed and can function normally. However, parents should still take care to keep them clean and monitor them for signs of decay.

Regardless of the type of teeth that a baby is born with, it is important to seek the advice of a pediatric dentist or healthcare professional. They can assess the baby’s dental health and provide guidance on how to best care for their teeth and gums.

Possible Causes of Teeth at Birth

Genetic Factors

One of the most common causes of teeth at birth is genetics. Some babies may have inherited a gene mutation from their parents that leads to the development of teeth in the womb. This condition is known as natal teeth or neonatal teeth. Approximately one in every 2,000 babies is born with natal teeth, and the occurrence is more common in girls than boys.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can also contribute to a baby being born with teeth. Exposure to certain medications, toxins, or infections during fetal development can affect the baby’s tooth development. For example, if a pregnant woman takes tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of her pregnancy, this can discolor the baby’s teeth and even cause them to be born with teeth. Similarly, exposure to toxins such as mercury and lead can affect tooth development.

Intrauterine Malnutrition

Intrauterine malnutrition due to poor maternal diet or other factors can also lead to teeth at birth. When the mother is not getting enough nutrients, her baby’s tooth buds may not develop properly. This can result in premature eruption of teeth or malformed teeth at birth.

Genetic Disorders

Some genetic disorders can cause teeth to develop in the fetus before birth. For instance, Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the development of bones and teeth. Most affected infants are born with natal teeth or develop them in the first couple of months of life.

• Natal teeth can pose several problems, such as difficulty breastfeeding, choking, or injury to the baby’s tongue.
• If your baby is born with teeth, it is essential to seek timely dental care to ensure that the teeth do not cause any complications.

Associated Complications and Risks

Tooth Decay

Babies born with teeth have a higher risk of tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and other dental issues. This is because the teeth are exposed to food and drinks that contain sugars and acids that can erode the enamel and cause decay to develop.

Parents of babies born with teeth need to ensure that their child’s teeth are properly cared for, including brushing regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using toothpaste with fluoride. They should also avoid giving their child sugary drinks or foods and limit the frequency of snacks and meals throughout the day.

Feeding Difficulties

Babies born with teeth may experience difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, as they may accidentally bite the nipple or teat, causing pain and discomfort for both the baby and the mother.

Parents can try different positions and techniques to help their baby feed comfortably, such as holding them in a different position or using a nipple shield to protect the nipple during breastfeeding.

Gagging and Choking

Babies born with teeth may be at a higher risk of gagging or choking while eating, as the teeth can accidentally grind or break off small pieces of food that can get stuck in the throat.

Parents should ensure that their baby is always supervised while eating, and that they are given age-appropriate foods that are cut into small, easy-to-swallow pieces. They should also avoid giving their baby hard or chewy foods that can increase the risk of choking.

Early Teething

Babies born with teeth may start teething earlier than babies without teeth, which can cause discomfort and pain. Early teething can also lead to other dental issues later in life, such as poor alignment of teeth and overcrowding.

Parents can help alleviate their baby’s teething pain by using teething toys or applying a chilled teething ring to their gums. They should also consult with a dentist or pediatrician to ensure that their baby’s teeth and gums are healthy and developing properly.

Treatment Options

1. Wait and Monitor

In most cases, babies born with teeth do not require any treatment as long as the teeth are not causing any problems. The pediatrician will monitor the teeth to ensure they are not interfering with breastfeeding or causing any discomfort.

2. Removal

If the teeth are causing issues such as difficulty with breastfeeding or posing a choking hazard, the pediatrician may recommend removing them. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and is a quick and simple process.

3. Bonding or Crowning

If the baby’s teeth are abnormal or damaged, bonding or crowning may be necessary. In this procedure, a dental professional will bond a composite material or place a crown over the tooth to improve its appearance and function.

4. Orthodontic Treatment

If the teeth are overcrowded or misaligned, the baby may require orthodontic treatment later in life. This may include braces or other appliances to straighten the teeth and improve the baby’s overall oral health.

• Waiting and monitoring is usually the first course of action when dealing with babies born with teeth.
• If the teeth are causing issues, removal may be necessary.
• Bonding or crowning may be necessary for damaged teeth.
• Orthodontic treatment may be required later in life for misaligned teeth.

Long-Term Dental Care for Babies Born With Teeth

Start Dental Care Early

Babies born with teeth need dental care just like any other baby. As soon as the first tooth appears, parents should begin brushing their child’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

It’s important to establish good dental hygiene habits early on, as these habits can greatly affect a child’s dental health throughout their entire life.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Babies born with teeth should start seeing a dentist by their first birthday. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the development of the teeth and identify any potential dental issues.

The dentist may also recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants to help protect the teeth from decay.

Diet and Preventive Measures

To prevent dental issues in babies born with teeth, parents should be mindful of their child’s diet. Sugary drinks and foods should be limited, and babies should never be put to bed with a bottle.

Parents can also use a clean, damp cloth to wipe their baby’s gums after each feeding to remove any remaining milk or food particles and keep the mouth clean.

• Brush baby’s teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Start dental check-ups by first birthday
• Limit sugary drinks and foods
• Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle
• Wipe baby’s gums after each feeding

With proper dental care and preventive measures, babies born with teeth can have healthy teeth and gums for their entire life.