Yes, some babies are born with teeth, although this is very rare. These teeth are called natal teeth when present at birth and neonatal teeth when they erupt during the first 30 days of life.
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✅ Can Babies Really Be Born With Teeth?
Yes. Although uncommon, babies can be born with one or more teeth already visible in the mouth.
▪️ Natal teeth: Present at birth.
▪️ Neonatal teeth: Erupt within the first 30 days after birth.
These teeth are uncommon, occurring in approximately 1 in every 2,000 to 3,500 live births.
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Dental Article 🔽 Natal vs Neonatal Teeth: Clinical Differences and Management in Pediatric Dentistry ... They are often small, conical, yellowish-white, and may have poorly developed roots, making them mobile and prone to early exfoliation.✅ Why Are Some Babies Born With Teeth?
The exact cause is not completely understood, but researchers believe several factors may contribute.
1. Teeth Develop Closer to the Gum Surface
The most accepted explanation is that the developing tooth is positioned closer than usual to the surface of the gums, allowing it to erupt much earlier than expected.
2. Genetic Factors
A family history of natal teeth increases the likelihood that a baby may also be born with them.
In some families, this characteristic appears to be inherited.
3. Normal Early Tooth Eruption
In most cases, natal teeth are simply primary (baby) teeth that erupted earlier than normal, rather than extra teeth.
4. Rare Genetic Syndromes
Occasionally, natal teeth may be associated with certain rare medical conditions or genetic syndromes. However, most babies born with natal teeth are completely healthy.
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About 85% of natal teeth are the lower central primary incisors, the same teeth that usually erupt first between 6 and 10 months of age.
Less commonly, they involve:
▪️ Upper central incisors
▪️ Lower canines
▪️ Upper canines
▪️ Primary molars
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Usually, yes.
Approximately 90–95% are part of the normal primary dentition.
Only 5–10% are supernumerary (extra) teeth.
A dental examination and, when necessary, dental radiographs help determine whether the tooth belongs to the normal set of baby teeth.
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Dental Article 🔽 How to Manage Riga-Fede Ulcer? - Treatment ... Riga-Fede ulcer is a rare traumatic lesion in infants, commonly associated with natal or neonatal teeth. Management depends on the severity of the lesion and the type of tooth involved.✅ Possible Problems
Although many natal teeth cause no complications, some may lead to:
▪️ Difficulty during breastfeeding
▪️ Pain for the nursing mother
▪️ Tongue ulcers (known as Riga-Fede disease)
▪️ Loose teeth
▪️ Risk of swallowing or aspiration if the tooth is extremely mobile
▪️ Gum irritation
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The dentist will assess:
▪️ Tooth mobility
▪️ Root development
▪️ Position of the tooth
▪️ Feeding difficulties
▪️ Soft tissue injuries
▪️ Whether the tooth belongs to the normal primary dentition
Clinical examination is sometimes complemented by dental X-rays.
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Not always.
If the tooth is:
▪️ Stable
▪️ Part of the normal primary dentition
▪️ Not interfering with feeding
▪️ Not causing injury
It is often left in place and monitored.
Extraction may be recommended when:
▪️ The tooth is extremely loose
▪️ There is a risk of aspiration
▪️ It causes significant tongue injury
▪️ Breastfeeding becomes impossible despite conservative measures
The decision should always be made by a pediatric dentist after a thorough evaluation.
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No.
Because natal teeth are mainly related to early tooth development and genetic factors, there is no known way to prevent them.
Fortunately, they are uncommon and are usually managed successfully with proper dental care.
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Parents should schedule a dental visit if:
▪️ A baby is born with a tooth
▪️ The tooth becomes loose
▪️ The baby has difficulty feeding
▪️ The tongue develops sores or ulcers
▪️ Bleeding or swelling occurs around the tooth
Early evaluation helps prevent complications and supports healthy feeding.
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The appearance of teeth at birth often worries parents, but natal teeth are usually not a disease. In most cases, they represent normal primary teeth that erupted earlier than expected. The main concern is not the tooth itself but its stability and whether it causes feeding difficulties or injury.
Modern pediatric dental care emphasizes preserving the tooth whenever possible, especially if it belongs to the normal primary dentition and does not pose a risk. Early assessment by a pediatric dentist ensures the safest and most appropriate management.
🎯 Recommendations
▪️ Arrange a dental examination soon after birth if a tooth is present.
▪️ Do not attempt to remove or move the tooth at home.
▪️ Continue breastfeeding whenever possible, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
▪️ Monitor for tongue ulcers, feeding problems, or tooth mobility.
▪️ Attend regular pediatric dental check-ups to monitor oral development.
✍️ Conclusion
Babies can be born with teeth, although this is rare. These natal teeth are usually normal baby teeth that erupted earlier than expected. Most cases are harmless, but a professional dental evaluation is important to assess tooth stability, feeding, and the risk of complications. With early diagnosis and appropriate follow-up, most infants experience excellent outcomes without long-term oral problems.
📚 References
✔ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2024). Policy on management of the frenulum in pediatric patients and infant oral health care. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
✔ Kates, G. A., Needleman, H. L., & Holmes, L. B. (1984). Natal and neonatal teeth: A clinical study. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 109(3), 441–443. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1984.0517
✔ Neville, B. W., Damm, D. D., Allen, C. M., & Chi, A. C. (2024). Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (5th ed.). Elsevier.
✔ Rao, R. S., & Mathad, S. V. (2009). Natal teeth: Case report and review of literature. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 13(1), 41–46. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.48767
✔ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2024). Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
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