Case Report of Neonatal Teeth in Cleft Lip and Palate

ABSTRACT

The teeth present at birth are called natal teeth, while the teeth that appear within the first thirty days following birth are called neonatal teeth. Approximately one in 2,000 to 3,500 infants experiences the eruption of teeth at birth or within the first few weeks postpartum. Many contributing factors have been suggested for the premature eruption of primary teeth. It has been suggested that upon eruption these teeth are of normal structure according to their developmental age, but after eruption, lateral movement in the cervical area leads to disturbance of the dentin and premature degeneration of Hertwig's root sheath. In most cases, they have immature, aborted structures consisting only of caps of enamel, dentin, or a combination of both. A radiograph can show the presence or absence of enamel, dentin, or root structures, as well as supernumerary teeth. These teeth may be aspirated or swallowed during feeding. Discomfort from mobile and erupting teeth often causes the infant to refuse to feed. In addition, a nursing mother's nipples may become lacerated and infected. Extraction is the indicated treatment if these neonatal teeth cause discomfort or demonstrate mobility or incomplete, immature development. Treatment decisions must be made on an individual basis from both clinical and radiographic findings. We report four cases of neonatal teeth in complete cleft lip and palate patients.