Frequency of Natal Teeth and Their Association with Maternal and Neonatal Factors

Abstract

Background: Natal teeth are those teeth which are present at the time of birth. Teeth which erupt within one month after birth are called neonatal teeth.

Objective: To determine the frequency of natal teeth and their association with maternal and neonatal factors.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Orthodontics & Paediatrics Department, Sharif Medical City Hospital (SMCH), Lahore fromSeptember 2023 to August 2024 (1 year). After taking permission from Sharif Medical Research Centre (SMRC) and the Ethics Committee of Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, this study was conducted by the Orthodontics Department in association with the Paediatrics Department of SMCH. A predesigned proforma was filled out for every newborn at SMCH by the primary researcher after taking written informed consent from their parent(s). The proforma included questions about neonatal and maternal factors.

Results: A total of 623 newborns were examined during the study period of 1 year, out of which 7 (1.1%) newborns had natal teeth. Mean maternal age was found to be 25.9±1.9 years. Natal teeth were more commonly found in females (85.7%) as compared to males (14.2%). They were mostly found in the mandibular anterior region. Natal teeth had grade II mobility, and with respect to Helbing’s classification, the third category was most commonly found. There was no significant difference in tooth morphology and colour. With respect to maternal factors, there was a significant association with cousin marriage but an insignificant association with parity.

Conclusion: Natal teeth are very rare. Newborns should be examined by a dental specialist soon after birth, and parental counselling should be done regarding the management of natal teeth.