Can my baby be born with teeth?
Can your baby be born with teeth? What does it mean if they are, and do you need to do anything about it? Here's everything you need to know - plus expert dentist advice
The majority of babies’ first teeth come in at around 6 months of age. But what if your baby was BORN with them?
Yep, it's totally possible that your baby could be born with one or even a few of their baby teeth. However, it's also quite rare, and if it does happen, it's nothing you need to worry about.
How rare is it for a baby to be born with teeth?
It’s estimated that less than 1% of babies are born with teeth - so it's certainly not common.
What should you do if your baby is born with teeth?
On the off-chance you're one of those rare people, you should make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
This is just to get them checked over. Usually, these teeth are left in place, so please don't worry.
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Are these teeth at risk of being swallowed?
One mum whose baby was born with 2 front teeth on the bottom row, named Samantha L, told The Sun that she was worried about these teeth being a choking hazard.
“I must admit I’m nervous about breastfeeding Ella-Rose but her teeth are only small so hopefully it won’t be too painful," she said.
“I’ve been told that I have to keep an eye on the teeth in case they fall out because they could be a choking hazard."
Claire Stevens, a consultant in paediatric dentistry and spokesperson for the British Dental Association (BDA), says that though newborn teeth are usually left in place and aren't a risk, there are a few things to keep an eye on.
"We try to leave the teeth in place as they are usually part of the complement of baby teeth,” Claire says.
She adds that removing them is only considered necessary if one of the following applies:
- The tooth is very mobile (so that there is a risk of inhalation)
- Its presence is causing ulceration to underneath the tongue
- It is affecting feeding (especially breastfeeding).
Should you brush your baby’s teeth from birth?
Samantha also shared: “I’m not even sure whether or not I should be brushing them. They look very delicate, so I don’t know whether I should even be touching them at all.
"Yes, it is important to clean teeth at whatever age they appear,” notes Claire. "However this should be done very gently as the teeth may be loose.
"They should be cleaned regularly with an appropriate fluoride toothpaste – use a little bit of gauze or a small soft toothbrush to clean the teeth so your baby gets used to this."
And as a general guideline for all parents dealing with new baby teeth, at whatever age they first appear: "Brush regularly as part of the morning and night routine – just before going to bed, using a flat smear of fluoride toothpaste until they are 3 years of age."
Image: SWNS
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