Have you heard of babies being born with teeth? It’s a rare phenomenon, but it does happen. So, what causes babies to be born with teeth? In this blog post we will look at the reasons why this might occur and the potential effects of having teeth at birth.
Natal Teeth vs Neonatal Teeth
The terms ‘natal teeth’ and ‘neonatal teeth’ are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Natal teeth are those present when a baby is born and neonatal teeth are those that erupt after birth, usually within the first 30 days. Both can cause issues for parents, so it is important to understand the differences between them.
Causes of Natal Teeth
Natal teeth occur in about one in every 2,000 births and are believed to be caused by an increase in hormones during pregnancy or genetics. The most common area for natal teeth is the lower front gums (incisors) and they often appear as small white bumps on the gum line. In some cases, these teeth may even cause discomfort or pain for the baby during delivery due to their size or positioning.
Potential Effects of Natal Teeth
It is important to note that natal teeth can potentially cause a variety of problems for both mother and baby. For example, if a baby’s natal tooth is too large or positioned incorrectly, it may pose a choking hazard or interfere with breastfeeding.
Additionally, natal teeth can lead to infection if bacteria from the mouth gets into other parts of the body through broken skin or cuts caused by the sharp edges of a tooth. Lastly, if not treated properly, natal teeth may become loose or fall out prematurely due to inadequate root formation in utero.
Conclusion:
In summary, babies born with natal teeth are quite rare but do happen occasionally. It is important that parents understand the potential risks associated with these conditions such as infection or choking hazards so they can take appropriate action if necessary.
If you think your baby has been born with natal teeth then it is best to speak with your doctor right away as they will be able to provide advice on how best to manage any potential problems that may arise from this condition.
