Natal teeth are uncommon developmental findings present at birth and may cause functional and clinical concerns for both the infant and caregiver. These teeth may interfere with feeding, result in maternal discomfort during breastfeeding, and pose a potential risk of aspiration when excessively mobile. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are therefore essential. This report describes the case of a 23-day-old female infant presenting with a natal tooth in the mandibular anterior region. Maternal history was significant for gestational diabetes mellitus, anemia, and hypothyroidism, although any association with natal teeth remains speculative. Clinical examination revealed a conical, whitish-opaque crown with Grade III mobility, indicating inadequate attachment and increased aspiration risk. Based on the clinical findings and mobility, extraction was planned following confirmation of adequate vitamin K prophylaxis. The tooth was extracted atraumatically under topical anesthesia, and hemostasis was achieved successfully. Postoperative healing was uneventful, with satisfactory healing observed at one-week follow-up. This case highlights the importance of careful clinical assessment, risk evaluation, and timely intervention in the management of natal teeth.
- 1Massler M, Savara BS: Natal and neonatal teeth; a review of 24 cases reported in the literature. J Pediatr. 1950, 36:349-359. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3476(50)80105-1
- 2Kates GA, Needleman HL, Holmes LB: Natal and neonatal teeth: a clinical study. J Am Dent Assoc. 1984, 109:441-443. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1984.0415
- 3Leung AKC: Natal teeth. Am J Dis Child. 1986, 140:249-251. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1986.02140170075033
- 4Rocha JG, Sarmento LC, Gomes AMM, Valle MAS, Dadalto ECV: Natal tooth in preterm newborn: a case report. RGO - Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia. 2017, 65:156-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rgora.2017.002.010
- 5Anton E, Doroftei B, Grab D, et al.: Natal and Neonatal Teeth: A Case Report and Mechanistical Perspective. Healthcare (Basel). 2020, 8(4):539. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8040539
- 6Rao RS, Mathad SV: Natal teeth: case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2009, 13:41-46. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.44574
- 7Hebling J. Classification of natal teeth. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 1997;22(1):35-39.
- 8Khandelwal V, Nayak UA, Nayak PA, Bafna Y: Management of an infant having natal teeth. BMJ Case Rep. 2013, 2013:bcr2013010049. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2013-010049
- 9Rahul M, Kapur A, Goyal A: Management of prematurely erupted teeth in newborns. BMJ Case Rep. 2018, 2018:bcr2018225288. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2018-225288
- 10American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on infant oral health care. Pediatr Dent. 2022;44(6).