Natal Teeth: How Can Babies Be Born With Teeth?

Natal Teeth

Did you know that one in 2000 babies are born with natal teeth, which is a tooth that has already grown when the baby is just born. So, some babies are born with teeth? No, it’s not a myth. Natal teeth are a real phenomenon! While most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, some little ones come into the world with one or more tiny teeth already in place. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the world of natal teeth and see if your baby might be one of the rare few with a toothy surprise from day one!

What Are Natal Teeth?

Natal teeth are teeth that appear in a baby’s mouth at birth. These are not the same as the teeth that typically emerge during infancy. While babies usually start teething between 4 to 7 months, natal teeth are present when the baby is born. It often seen as small, sharp teeth in the lower gum. Sounds pretty cool, right? But don’t worry; your baby being born with a tooth doesn’t mean they’ll turn into a superhuman (though it might make for a fun party trick!). In fact, natal teeth are rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 births.

Are Natal Teeth Dangerous?

In most cases, natal teeth are harmless, but they can cause a few challenges. Sometimes, these teeth can be loose or underdeveloped, which may make them prone to being knocked out. Additionally, these teeth could cause discomfort for both baby and mom, especially if they affect breastfeeding or cause irritation in the baby’s mouth. If a natal tooth is causing issues, your pediatrician or dentist might recommend removing it. Don’t fret, though, most of the time, babies will get their regular baby teeth as they grow, and the natal tooth may even fall out on its own without much fuss.

What Causes Natal Teeth?

It’s not always clear why some babies have natal teeth, but they’re generally considered a result of genetics. They could also be associated with certain conditions, like sclerosteosis or cleft lip/palate, but these are rare cases. If you’re concerned about the cause of your baby’s natal teeth, a chat with your pediatrician can help clarify things.

Can Natal Teeth Cause Problems Later?

In some cases, natal teeth can cause issues like early tooth decay or alignment problems as the baby grows. However, these concerns are typically manageable with proper dental care. It’s important to remember that natal teeth are not permanent. They usually fall out once the baby’s full set of baby teeth begins to emerge, around the age of 6 months.

So, are you one of the lucky parents whose baby was born with a little toothy grin? Whether it’s a surprise or a rare condition, natal teeth are a fascinating and adorable part of early life. If you ever find yourself worrying about it, remember: these teeth often don’t pose a serious problem and can be easily managed with a little care.

We’d love to hear about your experience with natal teeth! Did your baby have them? How did you handle the situation? Drop a comment below and share your stories with other curious parents!