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Natal and neonatal teeth: a review and case series

British Dental Journal volume 232, pages 449–453 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Natal and neonatal teeth are a relatively rare but well-documented phenomenon, with the majority being prematurely erupted teeth of the normal primary dentition. Related complications include feeding issues, traumatic lingual ulceration and risk of aspiration. We present three clinical cases referred to the Paediatric Dentistry Department at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and their management. Treatment choice is based on individual assessment of each patient and options include monitoring, smoothing of the teeth or extraction. General dental practitioners should be able to diagnose natal and neonatal teeth and provide initial management in primary care, with referral to secondary care services in more complex cases or those which are likely to require extraction.

Key points

  • This paper provides a succinct review of the literature around natal and neonatal teeth so that all aspects of this clinical anomaly can be well understood by general dental practitioners.

  • We present three cases referred to the Paediatric Dental Department at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, demonstrating a range of presentations of natal and neonatal teeth and a variety of appropriate treatment modalities.

  • We propose that reassurance and initial management can be provided by general dental practitioners, with referral to secondary care services in more complex cases or those which are likely to require extraction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Specialty Registrar in Paediatric Dentistry, King´s College Hospital and Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, London, UK

    Michaela DeSeta

  2. Dental Core Trainee in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK

    Ella Holden

  3. Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Guy´s and St Thomas´ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

    Dania Siddik

  4. Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry and Evelina London Cleft Service, Guy´s and St Thomas´ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

    Nabina Bhujel

Authors
  1. Michaela DeSeta
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  2. Ella Holden
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  3. Dania Siddik
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  4. Nabina Bhujel
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Contributions

The study was conceived and designed by Nabina Bhujel. Michaela DeSeta, Ella Holden, Dania Siddik and Nabina Bhujel were involved in the literature search, analysis, drafting and final approval of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michaela DeSeta.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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DeSeta, M., Holden, E., Siddik, D. et al. Natal and neonatal teeth: a review and case series. Br Dent J 232, 449–453 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4091-3

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