Natal and neonatal teeth: Clinically relevant findings in a retrospective analysis

Teeth present at the time of birth are called natal teeth while the teeth which erupt within 30 days of birth are neonatal teeth. The natal and neonatal teeth are an uncommon occurrence causing extreme anxiousness among the parents because of various myths related to their occurrence in our society.

A retrospective analysis of 12 patients who reported to the dental center between 2012 and 2015 with natal or neonatal teeth was carried out.

Our study sample comprised of 12 patients. The age group ranged from 4 to 27 days in which there were eight male and four female infants. Out of 12 cases, eight cases had history of a physiologic delivery, while four were delivered by C-section. All the teeth were white to yellowish white in color, grade III mobile, and were devoid of roots. Except difficulty in feeding, only one case had a complication because of the tooth which was the development of a small lingual ulcer. Eleven cases were managed by extraction of the natal or neonatal teeth, and in one case, the parents did not consent for extraction. Six infants below 10 days of age were administered inj Vit K prior to the extraction. On follow-up of all the patients families reported that the child was feeding much better after the treatment and there were no complications.

Natal and neonatal teeth have been causing dilemmas in the minds of pediatricians and dentists world over. Thus, it is important to know the basics about such teeth so that proper guidance can be given to parents and a suitable case specific treatment plan can be formulated.