Natal and Neonatal Teeth - A review of literature

Abstract

Natal teeth are those present at birth and those that are present within thirty days after birth are called neonatal teeth. The occurrence of natal and neonatal teeth is a rare phenomenon and has been associated with diverse superstitions among different groups. These prematurely erupted teeth lead to varied reactions, which are combined with many misconceptions and have an impact on functional and psychological changes in the child′s life and emotional status of the parents. They are most commonly found in the mandibular incisor region and the etiology is unknown. Only 10% of these teeth are supernumerary. They may be associated with endocrine causes and mostly found associated with syndromes and there is no sex predilection. In some cases familial tendency has been reported and follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. They are usually small and poorly developed with little or no root formation. The tooth has to be extracted if problems arise with difficulty in suckling, if it causes discomfort during breast feeding and to prevent the risk of aspiration if they become mobile. If the natal teeth are firm, conservative management is indicated so as to maintain esthetics and maintenance of space for eruption of permanent successor.