Author(s): Cunha RF, et al
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Volume, number: 23:2
Month, Year: 2001
Major Topic: natal teeth, neonatal teeth
Minor Topic: N/A
Type of Article: Review of Literature
Main Purpose:Review of important information concerning natal and neonatal teeth
Overview of method of research: Review of literature
Findings:
- Natal and neonatal teeth are rare.
- Decision to extract or leave should be made on a case by case basis
- Radiograph is essential: supernumerary teeth should be extracted if newborn hypoprothrombinemia is not a problem; mature teeth should be maintained if possible.
- Pediatric dentists should follow-up and help parents.
- There are no reports in the literature of an actual aspiration of a natal tooth. There are, however, reports of spontaneous exfoliation.
- It is unlikely that one of these teeth would actually wound or irritate the breast.
- Most likely trauma is going to be to the baby's tongue.
Key Points/Summary:
- Natal tooth = tooth present at birth
- Neonatal tooth = tooth which erupts during the first 30 days of life
- Historically considered to be good or bad omen, dating back to 59BC
- Other terms used to describe these teeth include: congenital teeth, fetal teeth, predecidual teeth, dentitia preacox
- Famous people with natal teeth: Zoroaster, Hannibal, Napoleon, Richard III and more
- Caused by biological mix-up not well understood, and not linked to any particular systemic syndrome
- Expulsive folliculitis: eruption very soon after birth at rate of 2-3mm per day, highly mobile
- Most of these teeth are of normal dentition and not supernumerary
- Considerations: mobility and effect on suckling. Sharp teeth can be smoothed
- If extraction is the treatment of choice, wait until at least day 10 of life before performing it due to risk of hemorrhage.
Assessment of Article:
Great article. There is a lot of confusion about these teeth and what to do with them. This was a great read to clear up treatment.
No comments:
Post a Comment