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Natal and neonatal teeth: a clinical study
Insights
Natal and neonatal teeth are rare, occurring in about 1 in 716 infants. Most are normal primary incisors, but some show enamel dysplasia. Removal is advised only if teeth are extremely mobile.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral Health
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Natal and neonatal teeth are present at birth or erupt within the first month of life.
- Their prevalence and characteristics vary across populations.
- Management decisions require understanding their nature and potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of natal and neonatal teeth in infants.
- To characterize the morphology and developmental status of these teeth.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for their management.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 18,155 infants, with personal examination of 7,155.
- Prospective examination of 38 infants and children with 61 natal/neonatal teeth.
- Clinical assessment of tooth type, mobility, and presence of enamel dysplasia.
Main Results:
- Prevalence: 1 in 716 (examined), 1 in 3,667 (surveyed).
- All examined teeth were mandibular central incisors.
- 95% were normal primary incisors; 5% were supernumerary.
- Enamel dysplasia observed in 31%, correlating with gingival coverage duration.
Conclusions:
- Natal and neonatal teeth are uncommon and typically normal primary incisors.
- Enamel dysplasia is present in a significant minority.
- Conservative management is recommended; extraction is reserved for extremely mobile teeth.
Abstract:
In a survey of 18,155 infants, 7,155 of whom were examined personally, the prevalence of natal teeth was one in 716 for the infants examined and one in 3,667 for those surveyed. Another group of 38 infants and children with 61 natal and neonatal teeth were examined prospectively. All were mandibular central incisors. Sixty-one percent of the subjects had a pair of natal or neonatal teeth (or both). Ninety-five percent of the natal and neonatal teeth were normal primary central incisors, and 5% were supernumerary primary central incisors. Initially, in 31% of the teeth, enamel dysplasia was seen, the occurrence of which correlated with the duration of the gingival covering. It is recommended that natal and neonatal teeth be left in place, if possible, and removed only if they are extremely mobile, such that reattachment is unlikely.