Natal and neonatal teeth in Bahrain : a review of 19 cases

• Published in: Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society 2021-03, Vol.33 (1), p.31-37
• Main Authors: al-Buainain, Fajr, Mustafa, Umar, Adil, Aania
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1015-6321
• DOI: 10.26715/jbms.33_2020_1_7

This paper aimed to present 29 natal/neonatal teeth in 19 patients and subsequently described clinical characteristics, associated disorders, and treatments. Methods: This is a retrospective study of Bahraini neonates with natal or neonatal teeth who reported to the pediatric dental clinic, Dental and Maxillofacial Center, Bahrain Defense Forces-Royal Medical Services, Kingdom of Bahrain, conducted over a decade. Information about age, gender, mothers’ chief complaint, the clinical appearance of natal/neonatal teeth, location, associated complications, and treatments were collected. Results: A total of 29 teeth (20 natal, 9 neonatal) were diagnosed in 19 infants. There was a female predilection (14 females, 4 males). Twenty-eight of the natal/neonatal teeth were located in the lower central incisor area and one tooth in the lower lateral incisor area. Almost half of the infants (n=9, 47.4%) were diagnosed with a pair of teeth, and only one infant was distinguished with a total of three natal/ neonatal teeth. Three cases were associated with Riga-Fede disease, five with gingival hyperplasia, and one with enamel hypoplasia. Intraoral radiographs were taken selectively for some of the patients. Extraction was the most common treatment choice. Conclusion: The occurrence of a natal/neonatal tooth is considered a rare phenomenon. It showed diverse clinical characteristics which could lead to various complications. In this study, natal teeth were more common than neonatal teeth, with a preference for females. The decision to retain or extract a natal/ neonatal tooth should be evaluated in each case, keeping in mind multiple factors like scientific evidence-based knowledge, clinical judgment, and parental opinion.