If you are familiar with babies, then you know that their smiles during their first months days on earth are utterly gummy. However, approximately one out of every 2,000 babies are born with teeth under their gums. These natal teeth remain embedded in the bone below the gums. Tooth buds often appear in positions where natural incisors will erupt once the baby reaches the age of growing their first teeth.
What Causes Natal Teeth in Some Babies?
For many parents, a baby born with teeth remains a mysterious phenomenon. However, some known medical conditions increase the chances of a baby being born with teeth. These may include Sotos Syndrome, Pierre-Robin Syndrome, Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome, and Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome. In other cases, natal teeth are a hereditary condition. If a sibling or one of the parents was born with natal teeth, it is more likely that their child with have teeth under the gums.
Why You Should Seek Treatment
It is advisable not to disturb natal teeth, especially if they are not loose. However, if the teeth under the gums are loose and have no roots, your dentist may recommend surgical removal. This particular category of teeth under the gums can put your baby at risk of feeding problems, tongue injuries, and choking if the baby accidentally swallows the tooth. Teeth under the gums can also injure the mother during breastfeeding.
How Can You Determine if Your Baby Has Natal Teeth?
A dentist can determine if your baby has natal teeth by performing a physical exam on the mouth. The dentist may also recommend an X-ray to check the internal tissues, organs, bones, and the possible presence of natal teeth. From the X-ray image, the dentist will be able to determine if there is a tooth root that has not fully formed.
Key Takeaways
It is highly unlikely that your baby will be born with teeth under the gum. It is a rare condition that occurs due to the presence of other health conditions, such as Sotos Syndrome.
Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Dr. Bryan Freeman and Dr. Cheryl Freeman
Dental Blog | Dentist Asheboro, NC | Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Drs. Bryan Freeman & Cheryl Freeman are offering this educational blog as a resource to the great Asheboro, NC community. Click here to read our latest posts! Randolph Center for Dental Excellence, 134 Davis Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 \ (336) 444-2772 \ freemandds.com \ 10/9/2024 \ Related Phrases: dentist Asheboro NC \
If you are familiar with babies, then you know that their smiles during their first months days on earth are utterly gummy. However, approximately one out of every 2,000 babies are born with teeth under their gums. These natal teeth remain embedded in the bone below the gums. Tooth buds often appear in positions where natural incisors will erupt once the baby reaches the age of growing their first teeth.