Physical Development

Baby Born with Teeth - Natal Teeth

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby born with teeth - natal teeth, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Natal teeth (teeth present at birth) occur in about 1 in 2,000-3,000 births. In most cases, these are actual primary (baby) teeth that erupted early, not extra teeth. Most natal teeth are the lower front incisors. While natal teeth can sometimes cause breastfeeding difficulties or have a risk of becoming loose and being a choking hazard, many can be left in place and monitored. The decision to keep or remove a natal tooth depends on how firmly it is attached and whether it is causing problems.

Key takeaways

  • Natal teeth (teeth present at birth) occur in about 1 in 2,000-3,000 births. In most cases, these are actual primary (baby) teeth that erupted early, not extra teeth. Most natal teeth are the lower front incisors. While natal teeth can sometimes cause breastfeeding difficulties or have a risk of becoming loose and being a choking hazard, many can be left in place and monitored. The decision to keep or remove a natal tooth depends on how firmly it is attached and whether it is causing problems.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby was born with one or two lower front teeth that are firmly attached - this is the most common presentation
  • Call your doctor if: A natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
— Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, natal teeth (teeth present at birth) occur in about 1 in 2,000-3,000 births. In most cases, these are actual primary (baby) teeth that erupted early, not extra teeth. Most natal teeth are the lower front incisors. While natal teeth can sometimes cause breastfeeding difficulties or have a risk of becoming loose and being a choking hazard, many can be left in place and monitored. The decision to keep or remove a natal tooth depends on how firmly it is attached and whether it is causing problems. At 0-1 month (natal teeth), if your baby was born with teeth or teeth erupted within the first 30 days (neonatal teeth), your pediatrician and a pediatric dentist should evaluate them. Most natal teeth are real primary teeth (about 90%). The evaluation determines: how firmly attached the tooth is (loose teeth may need removal to prevent choking), whether the tooth is interfering with breastfeeding, and whether it is causing a tongue ulcer (Riga-Fede disease) from the baby's tongue rubbing against the tooth during sucking. It is generally considered normal when your baby was born with one or two lower front teeth that are firmly attached - this is the most common presentation. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your baby was born with one or two lower front teeth that are firmly attached - this is the most common presentation
A natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated
The natal tooth is not causing breastfeeding problems or tongue ulceration
Your baby has an ulcerated, bleeding sore on their tongue from the tooth
The tooth has been evaluated by a dentist and was determined to be a real primary tooth
Your baby was born with multiple natal teeth along with other unusual features - could indicate a syndrome requiring evaluation
Your baby is feeding, growing, and developing normally despite having early teeth
Your baby has natal teeth and breastfeeding is painful or difficult

By Age

What to expect by age

0-1 month (natal teeth)

If your baby was born with teeth or teeth erupted within the first 30 days (neonatal teeth), your pediatrician and a pediatric dentist should evaluate them. Most natal teeth are real primary teeth (about 90%). The evaluation determines: how firmly attached the tooth is (loose teeth may need removal to prevent choking), whether the tooth is interfering with breastfeeding, and whether it is causing a tongue ulcer (Riga-Fede disease) from the baby's tongue rubbing against the tooth during sucking.

1-3 months

If natal teeth were left in place, monitor them for: loosening (which creates an aspiration risk), tongue or gum ulceration, and breastfeeding difficulties. If breastfeeding is painful due to the teeth, a lactation consultant can help with positioning. In some cases, smoothing the sharp edge of the tooth resolves nipple pain. If the tooth becomes very loose, it should be removed by a dentist. Natal teeth that remain firmly attached typically stay in place until the normal age for that tooth to fall out (around age 6-7).

3-6 months

If your baby has natal teeth that were kept, they will look like regular baby teeth and can be cared for the same way - gentle wiping with a damp cloth after feeds. Normal teething for other teeth begins around 4-6 months. Having natal teeth does not mean your baby will teethe earlier or later for the remaining teeth. The presence of natal teeth does not indicate any other health problems in the vast majority of cases.

6+ months

If a natal tooth was removed, the permanent tooth should still develop normally in the space. The gap from a removed natal tooth does not need treatment. Regular dental care should begin by age 1 as recommended by the AAP and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If the natal tooth remained, it will eventually be lost like any other baby tooth. In rare cases, natal teeth can be associated with certain syndromes, but isolated natal teeth in an otherwise healthy baby are a benign variation.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed baby born with teeth - natal teeth and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby has natal teeth and breastfeeding is painful or difficult.
  • Mention if the natal tooth appears loose and could be a choking risk.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby was born with one or two lower front teeth that are firmly attached - this is the most common presentation
  • The natal tooth is not causing breastfeeding problems or tongue ulceration
  • The tooth has been evaluated by a dentist and was determined to be a real primary tooth
  • Your baby is feeding, growing, and developing normally despite having early teeth
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby has natal teeth and breastfeeding is painful or difficult
  • The natal tooth appears loose and could be a choking risk
  • Your baby has developed a sore on their tongue from rubbing against the tooth
  • You notice your baby has more than two natal teeth
Act now when...
  • A natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated
  • Your baby has an ulcerated, bleeding sore on their tongue from the tooth
  • Your baby was born with multiple natal teeth along with other unusual features - could indicate a syndrome requiring evaluation

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice baby born with teeth - natal teeth — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your baby was born with one or two lower front teeth that are firmly attached - this is the most common presentation — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-1 month (natal teeth), focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated.

Toddler Grinding Teeth While Awake and Asleep

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in babies and toddlers - studies suggest 15-33% of children grind their teeth. Babies often grind their teeth when new teeth come in because the sensation is novel and they are experimenting with their bite. Most children outgrow grinding by age 6 when their permanent teeth start coming in. Grinding is usually harmless and does not require treatment unless it is causing tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, or significantly disrupting sleep.

Baby White Tongue - Milk Residue or Thrush?

A white tongue in babies is extremely common and is usually just milk residue from breastfeeding or formula feeding. Milk residue coats the tongue lightly and can be wiped away with a damp cloth. Thrush (oral candidiasis) is a yeast infection that creates white patches that look like cottage cheese and do NOT wipe away easily - if you try, the tissue underneath may appear raw or bleed. Thrush can also appear on the cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth.

Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Formula

Transitioning from breastfeeding to formula is a common decision that many families make for a variety of valid reasons. A gradual transition over 1-2 weeks is best for both your body (to prevent engorgement and mastitis) and your baby (to adjust to a new taste and feeding method). Replace one breastfeeding session with a formula bottle every 2-3 days. Your baby is well nourished whether they receive breast milk, formula, or a combination - the best feeding choice is the one that works for your family.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is baby born with teeth - natal teeth normal?
Natal teeth (teeth present at birth) occur in about 1 in 2,000-3,000 births. In most cases, these are actual primary (baby) teeth that erupted early, not extra teeth. Most natal teeth are the lower front incisors. While natal teeth can sometimes cause breastfeeding difficulties or have a risk of becoming loose and being a choking hazard, many can be left in place and monitored. The decision to keep or remove a natal tooth depends on how firmly it is attached and whether it is causing problems.
When should I call the doctor about baby born with teeth - natal teeth?
A natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated Your baby has an ulcerated, bleeding sore on their tongue from the tooth Your baby was born with multiple natal teeth along with other unusual features - could indicate a syndrome requiring evaluation
When is baby born with teeth - natal teeth normal?
Your baby was born with one or two lower front teeth that are firmly attached - this is the most common presentation The natal tooth is not causing breastfeeding problems or tongue ulceration The tooth has been evaluated by a dentist and was determined to be a real primary tooth
What causes baby born with teeth - natal teeth?
Natal teeth (teeth present at birth) occur in about 1 in 2,000-3,000 births. In most cases, these are actual primary (baby) teeth that erupted early, not extra teeth. Most natal teeth are the lower front incisors. While natal teeth can sometimes cause breastfeeding difficulties or have a risk of becoming loose and being a choking hazard, many can be left in place and monitored. The decision to keep or remove a natal tooth depends on how firmly it is attached and whether it is causing problems. Common explanations include: Your baby was born with one or two lower front teeth that are firmly attached - this is the most common presentation. The natal tooth is not causing breastfeeding problems or tongue ulceration.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby born with teeth - natal teeth?
You should mention baby born with teeth - natal teeth at your next visit if: Your baby has natal teeth and breastfeeding is painful or difficult. The natal tooth appears loose and could be a choking risk. Your baby has developed a sore on their tongue from rubbing against the tooth.
Is baby born with teeth - natal teeth normal at 0-1 month (natal teeth)?
If your baby was born with teeth or teeth erupted within the first 30 days (neonatal teeth), your pediatrician and a pediatric dentist should evaluate them. Most natal teeth are real primary teeth (about 90%). The evaluation determines: how firmly attached the tooth is (loose teeth may need removal to prevent choking), whether the tooth is interfering with breastfeeding, and whether it is causing a tongue ulcer (Riga-Fede disease) from the baby's tongue rubbing against the tooth during sucking.
Is baby born with teeth - natal teeth normal at 1-3 months?
If natal teeth were left in place, monitor them for: loosening (which creates an aspiration risk), tongue or gum ulceration, and breastfeeding difficulties. If breastfeeding is painful due to the teeth, a lactation consultant can help with positioning. In some cases, smoothing the sharp edge of the tooth resolves nipple pain. If the tooth becomes very loose, it should be removed by a dentist. Natal teeth that remain firmly attached typically stay in place until the normal age for that tooth to fall out (around age 6-7).
Should I go to the ER for baby born with teeth - natal teeth?
Seek emergency care if a natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated, or if your baby has an ulcerated, bleeding sore on their tongue from the tooth. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does baby born with teeth - natal teeth go away on its own?
In many cases, baby born with teeth - natal teeth resolves on its own, especially when your baby was born with one or two lower front teeth that are firmly attached - this is the most common presentation. By 6+ months, if a natal tooth was removed, the permanent tooth should still develop normally in the space. The gap from a removed natal tooth does not need treatment. Regular dental care should begin by age 1 as recommended by the AAP and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If the natal tooth remained, it will eventually be lost like any other baby tooth. In rare cases, natal teeth can be associated with certain syndromes, but isolated natal teeth in an otherwise healthy baby are a benign variation.
AAPNIHAAP

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Management of the Developing Dentition. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. AAP
  2. [2]Leung AK, Robson WL. Natal Teeth: A Review. Journal of the National Medical Association. 2006. NIH
  3. [3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby's First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know. HealthyChildren.org. AAP

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Born with Teeth - Natal Teeth.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed baby born with teeth - natal teeth and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby has natal teeth and breastfeeding is painful or difficult.
  • Mention if the natal tooth appears loose and could be a choking risk.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your baby has natal teeth and breastfeeding is painful or difficult
  • The natal tooth appears loose and could be a choking risk
  • Your baby has developed a sore on their tongue from rubbing against the tooth

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • A natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated
  • Your baby has an ulcerated, bleeding sore on their tongue from the tooth
  • Your baby was born with multiple natal teeth along with other unusual features - could indicate a syndrome requiring evaluation

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

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Bottom line

Most cases of baby born with teeth - natal teeth are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a natal tooth has become very loose and could be swallowed or aspirated.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Toddler Grinding Teeth While Awake and Asleep

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in babies and toddlers - studies suggest 15-33% of children grind their teeth. Babies often grind their teeth when new teeth come in because the sensation is novel and they are experimenting with their bite. Most children outgrow grinding by age 6 when their permanent teeth start coming in. Grinding is usually harmless and does not require treatment unless it is causing tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, or significantly disrupting sleep.

Baby White Tongue - Milk Residue or Thrush?

A white tongue in babies is extremely common and is usually just milk residue from breastfeeding or formula feeding. Milk residue coats the tongue lightly and can be wiped away with a damp cloth. Thrush (oral candidiasis) is a yeast infection that creates white patches that look like cottage cheese and do NOT wipe away easily - if you try, the tissue underneath may appear raw or bleed. Thrush can also appear on the cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth.

Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Formula

Transitioning from breastfeeding to formula is a common decision that many families make for a variety of valid reasons. A gradual transition over 1-2 weeks is best for both your body (to prevent engorgement and mastitis) and your baby (to adjust to a new taste and feeding method). Replace one breastfeeding session with a formula bottle every 2-3 days. Your baby is well nourished whether they receive breast milk, formula, or a combination - the best feeding choice is the one that works for your family.

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Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.

My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other

Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.