Abstract

Background: 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.

Keywords: Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; Gingival Hyperplasia; Oral Ulcer; Natal teeth; Vitamin K.