Some babies are born with a tooth. Others reach their first birthday with none. Both can worry parents, and most of the time neither is a sign of a problem. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, explains what’s typical, when a medical condition may be involved and when to talk to your child’s provider.
Natal and neonatal teeth
Natal teeth are teeth already present at birth. Neonatal teeth grow in during the first 30 days. MedlinePlus says natal teeth are uncommon and most often appear on the lower gum where the central incisors will come in.
What they’re like
- little root structure, attached to the gum by soft tissue, so they are often wobbly
- usually not well-formed
- may irritate or injure the baby’s tongue during nursing, and may be uncomfortable for a nursing mother
Are they linked to a condition?
Most of the time, no. MedlinePlus says they are sometimes associated with conditions such as cleft palate and certain syndromes, including Ellis-van Creveld, Hallermann-Streiff, Pierre-Robin and Soto syndromes. See cleft lip and palate care.
Removal
MedlinePlus says natal teeth are often removed shortly after birth while the baby is still in the hospital, especially if the tooth is loose and there is a risk the baby could breathe it in.
Home care
- Gently wipe the gums and teeth with a clean, damp cloth.
- Check the baby’s gums and tongue often for injury.
- Contact your child’s provider if the baby develops a sore tongue or mouth or other symptoms.
Natal teeth are usually found by the provider shortly after birth. Dental X-rays may be done in some cases.
Delayed or missing teeth
MedlinePlus says the age a tooth comes in varies. Most infants get their first tooth between 4 and 8 months, but it may be earlier or later. Most of the time, delayed tooth formation is normal. See our baby teeth timeline and teething guide.
Possible causes
Specific diseases can affect tooth shape, color, timing or absence. MedlinePlus lists conditions including Down syndrome, ectodermal dysplasia, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, cleidocranial dysostosis, Apert syndrome and others. A child with one of these usually has other signs too.
When to talk to a provider
MedlinePlus advises talking to your child’s provider if your child has no teeth by 9 months of age.
What to expect at the visit
The provider will look closely at your child’s mouth and gums. They may ask:
- In what order did the teeth come in?
- At what age did other family members get teeth?
- Are any family members missing teeth that never came in?
- What other symptoms are present?
Medical tests often aren’t needed, though dental X-rays may be done.
Teeth that never develop
Sometimes children or adults are missing teeth that never formed (hypodontia, oligodontia or anodontia). MedlinePlus says cosmetic or orthodontic dentistry can correct this. Options for adults are covered in implants vs bridges vs dentures.
Starting dental care
Whether teeth come early or late, early dental visits help. See your child’s first dental visit.
Frequently asked questions
Should a natal tooth be pulled?
Often, especially if it’s loose and could be inhaled. Your baby’s provider will decide.
My baby is 10 months old with no teeth. Is that a problem?
Usually delayed teeth are normal, but MedlinePlus advises talking to your provider if there are no teeth by 9 months.
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
Featured image: “Newborn baby, Newborn infant, Moscow, Russia” by Vyacheslav Argenberg, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY 4.0. Resized and compressed for the web.
Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.