| Quick Answer: Yes, about 1 in 2,000–3,000 babies is born with one or more teeth — called natal teeth. Most are real baby teeth that simply erupted very early. They sometimes need removal if they’re loose (choking risk) or causing feeding problems, but stable natal teeth can often be left in place and monitored. |
If your newborn was born with a tooth — or you’ve heard of this happening — the good news is it’s not as alarming as it sounds. At Thunderbird Children’s Dentistry in Peoria, we evaluate natal teeth occasionally, and most babies do just fine. Here’s the actual medical picture: how common natal teeth are, what causes them, and when they need treatment.
Yes, Babies Can Be Born With Teeth
Natal teeth — teeth present at birth — occur in about 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 births. Neonatal teeth, which erupt in the first 30 days of life, are slightly more common. Most often, only one or two natal teeth are present, usually the lower central incisors (the front bottom teeth).
Historical and cultural references to babies born with teeth go back centuries — Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and Louis XIV were all rumored to have been born with teeth. The phenomenon has been documented across cultures for as long as humans have written records.
What Causes Natal Teeth?
In most cases, natal teeth are simply primary (baby) teeth that erupted very early. About 85–90% of natal teeth are real primary teeth — meaning they’re part of the normal 20-tooth set, just on a faster timeline. The remaining 10–15% are supernumerary teeth (extra teeth beyond the standard count).
Risk factors include:
- Family history (genetics is the strongest factor)
- Cleft lip/palate
- Certain syndromes (Ellis-van Creveld, Pierre Robin sequence, Hallermann-Streiff)
- Some maternal infections during pregnancy
Most natal teeth, though, occur in otherwise healthy babies with no underlying condition.
Are Natal Teeth a Problem?
Sometimes. The two most common concerns:
Loose teeth pose a choking risk. Natal teeth often have poorly developed roots, which means they can be loose and at risk of dislodging. A loose tooth in a newborn’s mouth is a real choking hazard.
Feeding difficulties. Sharp natal teeth can:
- Irritate or cut the underside of the baby’s tongue (Riga-Fede disease)
- Cause pain or injury during breastfeeding
- Make latching difficult
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
If your baby is born with a tooth — or develops one in the first month — schedule a pediatric dental evaluation. We’ll assess: stability of the tooth, position, condition of the surrounding gum, whether feeding is being affected, and whether the tooth is a primary or supernumerary tooth. Our pediatric team evaluates infants regularly for this and related concerns.
How Are Natal Teeth Treated?
Treatment depends on the situation:
- Stable, well-positioned, not causing feeding issues: typically left in place and monitored
- Loose with choking risk: gentle removal recommended
- Causing tongue ulcers (Riga-Fede): removal or smoothing of the tooth edge
- Causing breastfeeding pain: removal often considered
If the natal tooth is a primary (baby) tooth and gets removed, that space remains empty until the permanent adult tooth erupts at the normal age.
Visit Thunderbird Children’s Dentistry
If you’re a new parent in Peoria, Glendale, Sun City, or the surrounding West Valley dealing with a baby born with teeth, we’re here. We see infants regularly and our team makes the visit comfortable for new parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies be born with teeth?
Yes. About 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 babies is born with one or more teeth — these are called natal teeth. Teeth that erupt within the first 30 days are called neonatal teeth.
Are natal teeth a problem?
Sometimes. Most natal teeth are mobile (loose) and can pose a choking risk or cause feeding difficulties. They can also cause irritation to the underside of the tongue or to the breastfeeding parent’s nipple. A pediatric dentist evaluates whether to monitor or remove them.
What causes a baby to be born with teeth?
Often it’s genetic — natal teeth tend to run in families. They’re also slightly more common in babies with certain conditions like cleft lip/palate, Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, or Pierre Robin sequence.
Should natal teeth be removed?
Sometimes. The decision depends on whether the tooth is loose (choking risk), causing feeding issues, or causing tongue irritation. A stable, well-positioned natal tooth might be left in place.
Are natal teeth real teeth or extra teeth?
Usually they’re real, primary (baby) teeth that erupted very early — accounting for about 90% of cases. About 10% are supernumerary (extra) teeth.
Will my baby’s natal teeth fall out and be replaced?
If the natal tooth is a primary (baby) tooth, yes — it follows the normal pattern of falling out and being replaced by an adult tooth. If it’s a supernumerary tooth, it won’t be replaced.
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Has your baby been born with a tooth? We truly care about your child’s health and happiness. Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you. Thunderbird Children’s Dentistry │ 6780 W Thunderbird Rd, Suite 105, Peoria, AZ 85381 │ (602) 345-7959 │ Contact Us → |