Infant born with teeth? Teeth present at birth are called natal teeth — they occur in about 1 in 2,000–3,000 babies, usually on the lower front gum. Most are normal baby teeth that came in early and are harmless, but a pediatric dentist should check them soon after birth. Removal is only needed if the tooth is very loose, painful, or makes feeding difficult.
Most babies don’t get their first tooth until around 6 months old — which is why it can be shocking to discover that your newborn already has one or two teeth. These early-appearing teeth are called natal teeth, and although they’re uncommon, they’re usually harmless.
About 1 in every 2,000–3,000 infants is born with teeth, most often on the lower front gumline. For parents, this moment can bring a mix of curiosity and concern, but in the majority of cases, these early teeth are simply a natural variation rather than a medical issue.
Why Some Babies Are Born With Teeth
There isn’t a single known cause, but several factors can influence early tooth eruption. In many cases, it’s genetic — if a parent or close relative had natal teeth, a baby may inherit the tendency. Sometimes it’s just a difference in timing: the tooth bud develops a little earlier than usual.
Most natal teeth are simply primary (baby) teeth that erupted ahead of schedule, not extra or unusual teeth.
Are Natal Teeth a Risk?
In most cases, no — but they do require a checkup. Natal teeth may be smaller, softer, or slightly loose because their roots aren’t fully formed yet. That’s why a pediatric dentist should evaluate them shortly after birth.
Occasionally, a very loose tooth can be a choking risk. In other cases, a sharp edge may irritate the baby’s tongue or cause discomfort during feeding. These situations are uncommon, but they are the main reasons early evaluation is so important.
Do Natal Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Removal isn’t always necessary. If the tooth is stable, not causing discomfort, and not interfering with nursing, it can usually stay in place.
A pediatric dentist may recommend removal only when the tooth is extremely loose, causing pain, or making feeding difficult. Otherwise, the tooth can function normally and remain until it naturally falls out during childhood.
How We Care for Babies Born With Teeth
At Hopscotch Children’s Dentistry, we help parents understand exactly what’s going on and what to expect next. During an exam, we gently check the stability of the tooth, its root development, and whether it affects feeding or the soft tissues in the mouth.
We guide parents step-by-step, answer every question, and create a simple monitoring plan. Our goal is to keep your baby comfortable and ensure that early tooth eruption does not disrupt feeding or oral development. This is also the perfect start to your child’s first dental visit — we care for the tiniest smiles across Clayton, Walnut Creek, and Concord.
When to Contact a Pediatric Dentist
Reach out to a pediatric dentist if you notice:
- a tooth that feels wobbly or unstable,
- difficulty nursing or bottle-feeding,
- irritation on your baby’s tongue or gums,
- or if you’re simply unsure whether the tooth is normal.
Early reassurance can make a world of difference — especially in those first weeks of adjusting to life with a newborn.
Schedule Your Baby’s Visit
If your infant was born with a tooth, we’re here to help you navigate this unexpected (but often harmless) surprise with confidence and calm.
📞 925-254-4777
📧 hello@hopscotchdental.com
🌐 https://hopscotchdental.com
Hopscotch Children’s Dentistry — gentle, expert care for even the tiniest smiles. 💙
Baby born with a tooth?
We gently check natal teeth and guide feeding — kid-only care in Concord, from newborns up.
Request an appointment Call (925) 254-4777