NATAL TEETH

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These are teeth that are present at the time of birth. The lower (mandibular) centrals are most commonly affected. They can erupt in other parts too as the teeth may appear. It is rare to see more than two teeth erupting. The incidence is equal in male and female babies.

 Some are firmly attached to the gum while others are loosely attached.

Generally no treatment is required for the ones that are firmly attached if they are not causing problems unless they interfere with breastfeeding. Tooth extraction is indicated if they are too many, loose or interfere with breastfeeding. The loose ones can be dislodged and result in aspiration. In the early newborn periods, it is advisable that vitamin K be given prior to extraction to prevent abnormal bleeding. Vitamin K production is done by the commensals in the gut.

The newborn’s gut is sterile and requires days for it to be inhabited by commensals for vitamin K production to begin. Vitamin K plays a vital role in clotting hence the need to give it before extraction. Some problems that can be caused by natal teeth are injury to the tongue and to the mother nipple/breast.


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