Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months of age, but a small number arrive with one or more teeth already showing, or grow them within the first month. Teeth present at birth are called natal teeth, and those that appear in the first 30 days are neonatal teeth. They are rare, occurring in roughly 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 births. While the sight can surprise new parents, most natal teeth are simply the baby's normal teeth arriving early, and the main decision is whether the tooth is causing a problem that needs action.
Key takeaways
- Natal teeth are present at birth, neonatal teeth appear within the first month.
- They are rare, around 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 births.
- Most are the baby's own early teeth, not extra teeth.
- They can sometimes affect feeding or rub the underside of the tongue.
- Many are simply monitored, but a loose tooth may need removing.
What are natal and neonatal teeth?
In most cases these are the baby's normal lower front teeth coming through earlier than usual, rather than additional teeth. They often look small or slightly different because the root may not be fully formed, which can make them a little loose. An X-ray or examination helps the dentist tell whether the tooth is part of the normal set or a genuinely extra tooth, similar to the assessment for extra teeth in children.
Do they cause problems?
Many natal teeth cause no trouble at all and need only monitoring. When problems do arise, they tend to fall into a few groups.
Feeding and breastfeeding
A natal tooth can make latching uncomfortable or, occasionally, cause nipple soreness for the mother. With support, many families continue breastfeeding successfully. A small finger guard or shield and positioning advice can help.
Tongue irritation
The sharp edge of a tooth can rub the underside of the baby's tongue during feeding, sometimes causing an ulcer known as Riga-Fede disease. Smoothing the edge of the tooth usually resolves this.
Looseness and choking risk
If a tooth is very loose because its root has not formed, there is a small concern about it coming away. In that situation removal is often recommended for safety.
How are they managed?
The right approach depends on the individual tooth. The table below summarises the common options.
| Situation | Usual approach |
|---|---|
| Firm tooth, no feeding issues | Monitor and keep clean, let it stay |
| Sharp edge irritating the tongue | Smooth the edge, monitor for healing |
| Feeding difficulty | Feeding support, shield, review |
| Very loose tooth | Removal to avoid choking risk |
Where a tooth is firm and not causing problems, keeping it is usually best, because it is often one of the baby's normal teeth and removing it would leave a gap until the adult tooth arrives years later. Where removal is needed, it is a simple procedure, and your dentist will advise on timing and aftercare. Gentle cleaning of any early tooth with a soft cloth or brush is sensible, and our guide to cleaning baby and toddler teeth explains how.
Frequently asked questions
Are natal teeth extra teeth?
Usually not. Most are the baby's normal teeth arriving early. A dentist can confirm with an examination or X-ray.
Should the tooth be removed straight away?
Not always. Firm teeth that are not causing problems are often kept. Removal is considered mainly for very loose teeth or persistent feeding issues.
Can I still breastfeed?
Often yes, with support. A lactation consultant and your dentist can help with positioning and comfort if the tooth is causing soreness.
Will it affect the adult teeth?
Natal teeth are usually the baby teeth, so the adult teeth underneath are not affected. If a natal tooth is removed, the adult tooth still comes through later.
Is it a sign of a health problem?
In most babies it is an isolated finding. Occasionally it is linked with certain syndromes, which a doctor or dentist can assess if there are other concerns.
The takeaway
Natal and neonatal teeth are rare but usually harmless, most often the baby's own teeth arriving early. The key questions are whether the tooth is firm, whether it is affecting feeding, and whether it is rubbing the tongue. Many are simply monitored, while a very loose tooth may be removed for safety. If your baby is born with a tooth, contact the team at Lumi Dental for advice, or see our current deals page.
