Baby Born with Teeth? Pediatricians Explain What Parents Need to Know

Discovering that your newborn has teeth can be shocking and raise immediate concerns. While most babies develop their first teeth around 6 months of age, some infants are born with one or more teeth already visible. This rare condition, known as natal teeth, affects approximately 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 newborns and often leaves parents wondering if something is wrong. The good news? In most cases, natal teeth are harmless and simply a variation of normal development, though they do require special attention and monitoring.

Understanding why babies are born with teeth, whether they pose any risks, and how to care for them can help you navigate this unexpected situation with confidence. We’ve gathered insights from pediatricians and dental experts to provide you with comprehensive, evidence-based guidance that will put your mind at ease while ensuring your baby’s health and comfort.

Table of Contents

• What Are Natal Teeth?
• Why Are Some Babies Born with Teeth?
• Natal Teeth vs. Neonatal Teeth: What’s the Difference?
• Are Natal Teeth a Health Risk?
• Caring for Natal Teeth
• When Should Natal Teeth Be Removed?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Natal Teeth?

Natal teeth are primary (baby) teeth that are present in a newborn’s mouth at birth. Unlike the typical teething process that begins around 6 months, these teeth have already erupted through the gums before the baby takes their first breath. They appear as small, white structures in the lower front of the mouth, though they can develop in other areas as well.

The appearance of natal teeth can vary significantly. Some may look like fully formed miniature teeth, while others might appear as small white bumps or partially erupted structures. Parents often notice them during the first feeding or when a healthcare provider performs a routine newborn examination. If you’re preparing for parenthood, reviewing our best baby shower gifts guide can help you prepare for various baby care scenarios, including oral health items.

The prevalence of natal teeth differs across populations, with higher rates reported in certain ethnic groups, particularly those of African and Asian descent. Despite their early appearance, natal teeth are typically smaller and weaker than teeth that erupt at the normal time, and they often have different structural characteristics.

Why Are Some Babies Born with Teeth?

The exact cause of natal teeth remains somewhat mysterious to medical researchers, though several theories exist. Genetic factors play a significant role, as natal teeth often run in families. If parents or close relatives had natal teeth, there’s an increased likelihood that a baby will too. Additionally, certain genetic conditions and syndromes are associated with natal tooth development.

Some researchers suggest that accelerated tooth development in utero may contribute to natal teeth formation. Environmental factors during pregnancy, including maternal nutrition, hormonal influences, and certain medications, might also play a role. However, most cases of natal teeth appear to be simply a natural variation in the timing of tooth eruption rather than an indication of any underlying problem.

Interestingly, natal teeth are not related to the quality of prenatal care or maternal health during pregnancy. They’re not caused by anything a mother did or didn’t do, making them a purely developmental phenomenon. For more comprehensive information about supporting your baby’s development, explore our parenting advice guide for modern parents.

Research from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry indicates that natal teeth are more common in children with certain developmental patterns and may occasionally be associated with specific genetic syndromes, though most infants with natal teeth are otherwise completely healthy.

Natal Teeth vs. Neonatal Teeth: What’s the Difference?

Parents and healthcare providers sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Natal teeth are present at birth, visible in the mouth from day one. Neonatal teeth emerge within the first 30 days after birth, during the neonatal period. While the distinction might seem minor, it’s important for medical documentation and understanding your baby’s development timeline.

Both types are considered premature eruptions of primary teeth, and they’re managed similarly. However, neonatal teeth are slightly more common than natal teeth, affecting about 1 in 1,000 newborns. The care, monitoring, and potential treatment approaches remain essentially the same for both conditions.

If your baby has early-erupting teeth, your pediatrician or pediatric dentist will clarify which type your child has and provide guidance specific to your situation. This information becomes part of your baby’s dental health record and can inform future dental care decisions.

Are Natal Teeth a Health Risk?

One of the most common concerns parents express is whether natal teeth indicate a problem with their baby’s health. The reassuring answer is that natal teeth are rarely associated with serious health conditions. Most babies born with teeth are completely healthy and develop normally in every other way.

However, there are some practical considerations to monitor. The teeth themselves may be weaker than typical baby teeth because they haven’t had sufficient time to fully calcify and develop their root structure. This means they might wear down more quickly or become loose over time. Additionally, the enamel on natal teeth may be thinner or more porous than normal, making them more susceptible to decay.

One concern pediatricians do consider is the potential for the tooth to come loose and become a choking hazard. If a natal tooth is particularly loose or unstable, removal may be recommended for safety reasons. Your pediatrician will assess the stability of the tooth and advise whether removal is necessary.

Another consideration involves breastfeeding comfort. Some mothers report that natal teeth can cause discomfort during nursing, though many breastfeed successfully without issues. If your baby has natal teeth and you’re planning to breastfeed, discuss any concerns with your pediatrician or lactation consultant.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, natal teeth rarely indicate underlying developmental problems and should not cause concern unless they pose specific risks to your baby’s health or feeding.

Caring for Natal Teeth

Caring for natal teeth follows similar principles to caring for regular baby teeth, with a few special considerations. Gentle cleaning is essential, even though your baby is very young. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the teeth and surrounding gums after feeding, which helps remove milk residue and reduces the risk of decay.

Once your baby begins eating solid foods around 6 months of age, continue gentle cleaning with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Avoid fluoride toothpaste until your child is at least 2 years old, unless specifically recommended by your pediatric dentist. If fluoride is recommended earlier, use only a smear amount (about the size of a grain of rice).

Monitor the teeth regularly for signs of decay, which can develop more quickly on natal teeth due to their thinner enamel. Look for white spots, discoloration, or brown areas on the tooth surface. If you notice any concerning changes, contact your pediatric dentist promptly.

Keep the area around the teeth clean during regular diaper changes and feeding times. Avoid exposing your baby to sugary liquids, including fruit juice and sweetened beverages, which can promote decay. Even though primary teeth will eventually fall out, maintaining their health is important for proper speech development and feeding.

Ensure your baby sees a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears, whichever comes first. This allows the dentist to assess the natal teeth, establish a baseline for oral health, and provide specific guidance for your baby’s situation. For information about preparing your child for medical appointments, check out our resources on essential parenting advice for raising healthy children.

When Should Natal Teeth Be Removed?

Not all natal teeth require removal. Your pediatrician and pediatric dentist will evaluate whether extraction is necessary based on several factors. Removal is typically recommended if the tooth is extremely loose and poses a choking hazard, if it interferes significantly with feeding or breastfeeding, or if it causes injury to the baby’s tongue or the mother’s breast.

If the tooth is causing discomfort during breastfeeding, there are often ways to manage the situation before resorting to removal. Adjusting feeding position, using a nipple shield, or applying a protective covering to the tooth may help. Discuss these options with your pediatrician or lactation consultant before deciding on extraction.

Removal decisions should always be made in consultation with your healthcare team. If extraction is recommended, it’s typically a simple procedure performed by a pediatric dentist under appropriate anesthesia or sedation. The procedure is quick and usually has no long-term effects on the development of the permanent teeth.

In cases where natal teeth are not removed, they typically fall out naturally between ages 3 and 4, around the same time as other primary teeth. Some may persist longer, and your dentist can monitor their progression. The permanent teeth beneath the natal teeth generally develop normally and are unaffected by the early eruption.

For comprehensive information about your baby’s development and health milestones, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s parent resources section, which provides evidence-based guidance on pediatric oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for babies to be born with teeth?

While not common, natal teeth are a normal variation of tooth development. Occurring in approximately 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 births, they’re rare enough to be noteworthy but common enough that pediatricians regularly encounter them. They do not indicate a problem with your baby’s health or development.

Will my baby’s permanent teeth be affected by natal teeth?

In most cases, natal teeth do not affect the development or eruption of permanent teeth. The permanent teeth develop in a separate location beneath the primary teeth and typically erupt normally around age 6. However, your pediatric dentist will monitor this to ensure proper development.

Can natal teeth cause problems with breastfeeding?

Some mothers report discomfort when breastfeeding babies with natal teeth, but many successfully breastfeed without issues. If you experience pain, try adjusting your baby’s latch, changing feeding positions, or using a nipple shield. Contact a lactation consultant for personalized support if needed.

What should I do if my baby’s natal tooth becomes loose?

If a natal tooth becomes loose, contact your pediatrician or pediatric dentist immediately. A loose tooth poses a potential choking hazard and may need to be removed. Do not attempt to remove the tooth yourself; let a healthcare professional handle the situation.

How do I prevent decay on natal teeth?

Clean natal teeth gently with a soft, damp cloth after feeding. Once your baby eats solids, use a soft infant toothbrush with water. Avoid sugary drinks, establish regular dental check-ups by age one, and follow your dentist’s specific recommendations for your baby’s oral care.

Will natal teeth fall out on their own?

Yes, natal teeth typically fall out naturally between ages 3 and 4, along with other primary teeth. Some may persist slightly longer. Your pediatric dentist will monitor their progression and advise if any intervention becomes necessary.

Are natal teeth hereditary?

Genetic factors do play a role in natal tooth development, and they often run in families. If you or close relatives had natal teeth, your baby is more likely to have them. However, genetics is just one factor, and not all natal teeth cases have a clear family history.