Natal Teeth
Teeth present at birth or erupting within the first 30 days of life.
Natal teeth (present at birth) and neonatal teeth (erupting within first 30 days) occur in approximately 1 in 2,000-3,500 births. About 95% are prematurely erupted primary teeth, while 5% are true supernumerary teeth. They most commonly appear as lower central incisors. Natal teeth may be well-formed or poorly developed with minimal root structure. Concerns include injury to the infant's tongue (Riga-Fede disease), interference with breastfeeding, and aspiration risk if the tooth is very mobile. Management depends on mobility and symptoms: stable natal teeth are usually kept and smoothed if causing tongue irritation, while extremely mobile teeth with aspiration risk are extracted. Consultation with a pediatric dentist is recommended for evaluation.