A dentist spoke about natal teeth in newborns

It often happens that children are born with one or more teeth, they are called natal teeth. Nino Pkhakadze, a pediatric dentist at the Dental Fantasy clinic, told Izvestia on November 26 whether these teeth should be extracted.

According to the expert, one out of 3 thousand newborns is born with natal teeth. Externally, such teeth are similar to baby teeth, but the roots are not so strongly developed, they are slightly smaller in size and the enamel on them is slightly yellower.

"Whether intervention is needed depends on the symptoms, age and overall health of the child. The dentist may decide that no treatment is needed. In some cases, natal teeth can be extracted," Pkhakadze explained.

According to her, a natal tooth should be removed if it is mobile, as there is a risk that the child will inhale it and it may get into the airways and lungs. The tooth may also be extracted if the newborn traumatizes his or her tongue, the inside of the lips, the gum of the upper jaw or the mother's breast when feeding.

"Natal tooth extraction is an exciting, but very easy procedure. It is performed in outpatient conditions, if there are no contraindications related to the general health of the child," Pkhakadze added.

According to her, after the removal of natal teeth it is necessary to visit an orthodontist to check the formation of the bite and carry out the necessary orthodontic treatment.

Earlier, on October 31, dentist-therapist, periodontist of "SM-Stomatology", Candidate of Medical Sciences Elena Martynova shared her advice with "Izvestia" on how to save teeth in young and old age. The doctor drew attention to the fact that the enamel of teeth is saturated with microelements from saliva and vessels that are inside the tooth. Therefore, prevention of tooth decay and gum disease is more effective at a young age.