Is It Normal for a Baby to Be Born With Teeth? 

Every parent looks forward to the day their baby gets their first tooth. But did you know that some babies are already born having teeth? They’re called natal teeth, and they’re completely normal, although rare. What do you do if your baby is born with teeth? Check with your pediatric dentist in Medford. 

What Causes Natal Teeth? 

Natal teeth can be initially concerning, but they do occur in about 1 out of every 2,000 births. There are a few conditions that can increase the chance of your little one being born with teeth, such as a cleft palate or lip. Other conditions that may cause a baby to be born with teeth include: 

• Sotos syndrome 
• Hallerman-Streiff syndrome
• Pierre Robin sequence (also called syndrome)
• Ellis-Van Creveld syndrome

Even though the cause may not be immediately obvious, your dentist can help you determine the cause.

Types of Natal Teeth

Believe it or not, there are different types of natal teeth that your pediatric dentist in Medford wants you to be aware of such as: 

• Loose, fully developed teeth fixed to a few roots
• Teeth that are loose because they don’t have any roots at all 
• Teeny, tiny teeth showing just a little above the gums
• Teeth that haven’t yet broken through the gums but are really close to doing so

Most babies are born with just one tooth being visible, although it is possible to have multiple teeth showing. The lower front teeth are the most common to show in babies, but top teeth and molars are both also possible. 

Neonatal Teeth

While neonatal teeth aren’t seen upon birth, they do show up earlier than expected. These teeth typically make an appearance a few months after birth. In fact, these teeth are even more rare than natal teeth, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In cases of neonatal teeth, symptoms of teething begin way earlier than expected, around 3 months of age! However, even though the baby may be fussy, you may not actually see any teeth for another month or two. 

Should You See Your Pediatric Dentist in Medford? 

Since both natal and neonatal teeth are rare, the chances of you needing some type of intervention is also rare. However, if your baby is born with a tooth or two, or is showing signs of teething earlier than you expected, it’s best to call your pediatric dentist. Many times, if the teeth aren’t loose or showing any problems, they’re best left alone. However, if they are loose or not fully developed, your dentist may recommend that the teeth be extracted. This will help protect your little one from risks such as: 

• Choking or swallowing loose teeth
• Tongue injuries from teeth
• Feeding problems
• Injuries to mom while breast-feeding

Your pediatric dentist in Medford will most likely perform an x-ray to determine if a tooth has enough root structure to remain safely in place or if it needs to come out. 

Essentially, it’s normal for babies to be born with a tooth or two, but you should seek advice from a trusted pediatric dentist sooner rather than later to ensure proper tooth development and eliminate any chances for complications. 

About The Author

Dr. Eric Gheewalla

Dr. Eric Gheewalla specializes in orthodontics and is a certified Invisalign provider. He was an assistant clinical professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, Tufts Association of Orthodontists, International College of Dentists, and the American Academy of Dental Science.

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