Every parent is excited about some important milestones in their baby's life - their first tooth, their first smile, their first crawl, their first step. 
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But did you know that some babies can be born with teeth? 
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They are called natal teeth or neonatal teeth and are a very rare occurrence. In fact, it's estimated that natal teeth happen only once in every 2,500 to 3,000 live births.
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So, what causes natal teeth, can they affect your baby's oral health, and what can you do about them? 
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Let's find out! 
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Causes of Natal Teeth

Natal teeth can occur due to various causes, such as genetics, environmental factors, or certain medical conditions. 
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Some babies are born with natal teeth due to a genetic predisposition, while others may develop them due to exposure to certain chemicals or drugs during pregnancy. 
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Certain medical conditions, such as cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of bones and teeth, can also lead to the formation of natal teeth.
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Is It Bad That My Baby Was Born with Teeth? 

While certainly concerning for the parent, natal teeth aren't really a problem for the baby. 
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That's not to say that there aren't some risks associated with natal teeth that you should be aware of.
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One of the main risks associated with natal teeth is the potential for the baby to choke on the teeth if they break off. This is why it is important to have natal teeth checked by a dentist soon after birth.
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Another risk associated with natal teeth is the potential for the baby to develop an infection in the gums or mouth. Natal teeth can also cause problems with breastfeeding, as they may make it difficult for the baby to latch on properly.
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Is There Anything You Can Do About Natal Teeth? 

If your baby is born with teeth, their treatment will depend on various factors. For example, if the teeth are healthy and do not pose a choking hazard, then no treatment may be necessary. But, if your baby is prone to infections because of the teeth' position or if they pose a choking hazard, then your dentist may recommend removing them. 
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Don't worry! Removing natal teeth doesn't mean your child will be toothless until their adult teeth grow. This set of teeth isn't the same as their primary teeth. Your baby will have their normal set of 20 primary teeth when they begin to develop.
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Was Your Baby Born with Teeth? Visit Us for a Consultation! 

Although very rare and concerning for the parent, natal teeth aren't always a problem. If you're not sure what to do about your baby's natal teeth, the team at Pediatric Dental World can help you determine the best course of action. 
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‍Get in touch with us now to book your baby's first appointment.