Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Manish Pandey, BDS, Dental Surgeon
Last reviewed: September 10, 2026
Natal teeth in newborns are teeth that are already visible when a baby is born. Teeth that emerge during the first 30 days of life are called neonatal teeth. Although the sight can surprise parents, most are early-erupted primary teeth rather than an entirely extra set of teeth.
Quick answer: A natal or neonatal tooth does not always need removal. A paediatric dentist should check whether it belongs to the normal primary dentition, how firmly it is attached, and whether it is affecting feeding or injuring the baby’s tongue.
What are natal and neonatal teeth?
A natal tooth is present at birth. A neonatal tooth erupts within the first month after birth. They most often occur in the lower front region, where the two primary central incisors normally develop. Because the roots may be incompletely formed, some early teeth can be unusually mobile.
The tooth may look small, conical or yellowish, but appearance varies. An examination—and sometimes a dental radiograph when clinically justified—helps determine whether it is a prematurely erupted primary tooth or a less common supernumerary tooth.
Why is my baby born with a tooth?
In many babies, no single cause is identified. The developing tooth germ may lie close to the gum surface and erupt early. Family tendency has been reported, but parents should not assume that feeding, medicines or something done during pregnancy caused it. Online claims linking every natal tooth to a particular illness are not reliable.
Can a newborn tooth cause problems?
Many natal teeth cause no symptoms and can be monitored. Problems are more likely when the tooth is very loose, has a sharp edge, or interferes with the baby’s latch. Repeated rubbing may create an ulcer under the tongue, sometimes called Riga–Fede disease. A breastfeeding parent may also experience nipple discomfort.
Seek prompt assessment if feeding becomes difficult, the baby is not gaining weight, an ulcer is enlarging, bleeding continues, or the tooth seems extremely mobile. Breathing difficulty, choking, marked lethargy or poor feeding needs urgent medical attention.
Does every natal tooth need extraction?
No. If the tooth is stable, belongs to the normal primary dentition and causes no feeding or tissue problem, observation may be appropriate. Keeping a healthy primary tooth can help preserve space and normal dental development.
A dentist may consider smoothing a sharp edge or applying a protective material in selected cases. Extraction may be considered when mobility creates a meaningful aspiration risk, trauma cannot be controlled, feeding is significantly affected, or the tooth is supernumerary. The decision should follow an examination rather than being made from a photograph alone.
What happens if removal is recommended?
The dental and medical teams review the baby’s age, health, bleeding history and vitamin K status before any procedure. Parents should never try to pull out or file a newborn tooth at home. If extraction is appropriate, a trained clinician plans pain control, safe handling and follow-up. The area may need reassessment because residual dental tissue can occasionally remain.
How can parents care for a natal tooth?
- Keep feeding as advised by the baby’s paediatrician or lactation professional.
- After feeds, gently wipe the tooth and gums with a clean, damp, soft cloth.
- Check under the tongue for persistent redness or ulceration without repeatedly manipulating the tooth.
- Do not apply gels, clove oil, alcohol, powders or home remedies to the newborn’s mouth.
- Attend the recommended dental review even if symptoms improve.
When should a dentist examine the baby?
Arrange an early assessment after noticing a tooth at birth or during the first month. A paediatric dentist can document its position and mobility, assess soft tissues and feeding concerns, and coordinate with the child’s paediatrician when necessary. Follow-up is important because stability and symptoms can change.
Questions parents commonly ask
Is a natal tooth dangerous?
Usually not by itself. Risk depends on mobility, feeding interference and tissue injury. A very loose tooth needs prompt professional review because of the possibility of displacement or aspiration.
Will a natal tooth fall out?
Some remain as part of the normal primary dentition, while poorly rooted teeth may become loose. Do not wait for a highly mobile tooth to detach without clinical advice.
Can breastfeeding continue?
Often yes. Positioning support, smoothing a sharp edge or other professional management may help. Feeding difficulty in a newborn should be discussed promptly with the baby’s healthcare team.
Will another baby tooth grow in its place?
If the natal tooth is the normal primary tooth and is removed, another primary tooth generally will not replace it. The permanent successor usually develops later, which is one reason diagnosis matters before extraction.
Are natal teeth linked to calcium deficiency?
A natal tooth alone does not prove calcium deficiency. Avoid supplements or dietary changes for a newborn unless the paediatrician recommends them.
Key takeaway
Natal and neonatal teeth are uncommon but usually manageable. The safest approach is an early professional assessment, careful monitoring and treatment only when the tooth’s mobility, feeding effects or tissue injury justify it.
References
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Care
- Natal and neonatal teeth: a review and case series
- Natal and neonatal teeth: systematic review of prevalence and management
Dental disclaimer: This article provides general education and does not replace examination of a newborn by a paediatrician or qualified dentist. Seek urgent medical care for breathing difficulty, choking, severe bleeding, marked lethargy or inability to feed.