Natal teeth
Fetal teeth; Congenital teeth; Predeciduous teeth; Precocious teethNatal teeth are teeth that are already present at birth. They are different from neonatal teeth, which grow in during the first 30 days after birth.
Considerations
Natal teeth are uncommon. They most often develop on the lower gum, where the central incisor teeth will appear. They have little root structure. They are attached to the end of the gum by soft tissue and are often wobbly.
Natal teeth are usually not well-formed, but they may cause irritation and injury to the infant's tongue when nursing. Natal teeth may also be uncomfortable for a nursing mother.
Natal teeth are often removed shortly after birth while the newborn infant is still in the hospital. This is done very often if the tooth is loose and the child runs a risk of "breathing in" the tooth.
Newborn infant
A neonate is a baby who is 4 weeks old or younger.
Causes
Most of the time, natal teeth are not related to a medical condition. However, sometimes they may be associated with:
-
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Hallermann-Streiff syndrome
-
Cleft palate
Cleft palate
Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that affect the upper lip and the roof of the mouth.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Pierre-Robin syndrome
Pierre-Robin syndrome
Pierre Robin sequence is a condition in which an infant has a smaller than normal lower jaw, a tongue that falls back in the throat, and difficulty b...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Soto syndrome
Home Care
Clean the natal teeth by gently wiping the gums and teeth with a clean, damp cloth. Examine the infant's gums and tongue often to make sure the teeth are not causing injury.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if an infant with natal teeth develops a sore tongue or mouth, or other symptoms.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Natal teeth are most often discovered by the provider shortly after birth.
Dental x-rays may be done in some cases. If there are signs of another condition that may be linked with natal teeth, exams and testing for that condition may need to be done.
Dental x-rays
Dental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleReferences
Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Ears, nose, and throat. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 13.
Dhar VK. Development and developmental anomalies of the teeth. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 353.
-
Development of baby teeth - illustration
Both baby teeth (deciduous or milk teeth) and permanent teeth have fairly well-defined times of eruption. The ages listed are the normal ages that a baby tooth emerges. Upper central incisors and upper lateral incisors erupt by 8 to 10 months. Upper canines (cuspids) erupt by 16 to 20 months. Upper first molars erupt by 15 to 21 months. Upper second molars erupt by 20 to 24 months. Lower central incisors erupt by 6 to 9 months. Lower lateral incisors erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower canines (cuspids) erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower first molars erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower second molars erupt by 20 to 24 months.
Development of baby teeth
illustration
-
Development of baby teeth - illustration
Both baby teeth (deciduous or milk teeth) and permanent teeth have fairly well-defined times of eruption. The ages listed are the normal ages that a baby tooth emerges. Upper central incisors and upper lateral incisors erupt by 8 to 10 months. Upper canines (cuspids) erupt by 16 to 20 months. Upper first molars erupt by 15 to 21 months. Upper second molars erupt by 20 to 24 months. Lower central incisors erupt by 6 to 9 months. Lower lateral incisors erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower canines (cuspids) erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower first molars erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower second molars erupt by 20 to 24 months.
Development of baby teeth
illustration
Review Date: 3/31/2024
Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, DDS, General Dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
All rights reserved.