MANAGEMENT OF A RARE CASE OF AN INFANT WITH THREE NATAL TEETH.

Abstract

Primary teeth normally start to sprout at 6 months of age. However, the eruption of teeth at or shortly after birth is rather rare. Neonatal teeth are those that erupt within the rst 30 days of life and are referred to as "natal" teeth if they are present at birth. Although the size and shape of these natal teeth may approximate that of the primary dentition, they frequently have hypoplastic enamel and dentin along with weak or nonexistent roots. They are also frequently smaller, conical, and yellowish. The baby may experience discomfort, including pain and difculties sucking, sublingual ulcers, lacerated breasts, and even the ability to aspirate teeth. In this situation, extraction is required. Additionally, no treatment is necessary if the tooth is generally asymptomatic and does not obstruct regular breastfeeding. Since there are negative cultural attitudes associated with natal teeth, good parental counselling and vigilant management in relation to child protection are required. As a result, both general practice dentists and pediatric dental specialists may be involved in the supervision or treatment of patients with natal and neonatal teeth. This report describes a rare instance in which a one-month-old baby appeared with three natal teeth that had to be removed to prevent aspiration risk and feeding disruption.