Management of natal teeth: A twin case report

Abstract

Child’s evolution and growth right from conception up to the first couple of years of life is dotted with several transitions. Tooth eruption is one such phenomena which follows a chronology corresponding to the age of the child at which the tooth appears in the mouth. The exfoliation timeline has been documented in the literature but may vary based on several factors including hormonal, hereditary, and environmental. However, sometimes the eruption sequence undergoes a more drastic alteration where the first teeth may be present in the mouth at the time of birth or erupt within the first thirty days after birth. This paper was written with the aim to discuss the etiologic factors, clinical features, complications, and management of such natal or neonatal teeth, as well as their role in sublingual ulcer formation and discomfort during breastfeeding. Two cases are discussed where newborns, a 10-day old male, and a 7-day old female with a mandibular incisor natal tooth had reported to the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry at Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences. The teeth were extracted as they were mobile and there was fear of aspiration and refusal to feed. Extraction of the natal tooth accelerated healing of ulcers and relief from discomfort during breastfeeding.