Getting to Know Christmas and Neonatal Teeth

Getting to Know Christmas and Neonatal Teeth

Friends of Hermina, Baby's first teeth growth will occur at the age range of 6-8 months. In fact, there are several cases of baby teething at an age younger than 6 months and longer than 8 months. There are also cases of babies born with teeth that have grown which is called a natal tooth. If the appearance of teeth occurs within the first 30 days after the baby is born, this tooth is called a neonatal tooth.

 

The question that is often asked regarding this natal and neonatal tooth is whether it is caused by excessive consumption of calcium during pregnancy? Apparently, until now the cause is not known. However, there is some conjecture that the appearance of natal or neonatal teeth is influenced by undergrowth or poorly formed gums. Another assumption is that the mandibular incisors usually grow first when the baby is 6 months old. It is possible that this rapid tooth eruption is influenced by heredity. In the worst case, this natal and neonatal tooth eruption is a sign of a syndrome of disorders, such as: Ellis van Creveld syndrome, Hallermann-Steiff syndrome, Oier Robin syndrome, and Soto's syndrome. Natal and neonatal teeth generally grow on the front lower jaw, never on the back.

 

The number can be one or two, but the most common are newborns with one tooth. The incidence of natal tooth is relatively rare, the ratio is 1:2,000-3,000, while the incidence (prevalence) of neonatal tooth is highly variable, usually 1 baby out of 2,000 births. Because it is a rare occurrence, natal and neonatal teeth are classified as abnormalities of tooth growth and development. The shape is not perfect and the size tends to be small. Usually these teeth are loose because the roots are not fully formed and only hold on to the edge of the gums. Tooth maturation generally begins at the crown which is visible from its appearance on the surface of the gums. This is followed by the roots after the crown penetrates the gums. If the roots are not strong, the crown of the tooth will loosen. Natal and neonatal teeth that are wobbly because the roots do not need to worry will come off on their own and enter the baby's respiratory tract, making it choked and difficult to breathe. Indeed, after these teeth are extracted, the baby will not have the front milk teeth again. However, there is no need to worry because permanent teeth will appear when the child is 5-6 years old. Another reason, the base of the baby's tongue can be injured due to friction with the natal and neonatal teeth continuously. This wound at the base of the tongue can certainly reduce the appetite for breastfeeding the baby because it feels pain. Natal and neonatal teeth will also rub against the mother's nipple while breastfeeding, which can cause blisters.

 

The solution, mothers can pump and give breast milk to their little ones with the help of a spoon. So if the baby's teeth do not move, the baby's tongue is not injured, or the mother's nipples are not cracked, there is no need to remove the tooth. The growth of natal and neonatal teeth occurs in only a few cases found at birth, and infants are generally born without teeth. Then does the baby's oral cavity need to be cleaned like after teething? The answer is of course very necessary, because the cleanliness of the baby's oral cavity is an important factor to maintain the health of the baby as the body's first defense against disease.

 

How to clean the baby's oral cavity can be done by using gauze that has been moistened with boiled water, sweeping gauze over the entire surface of the gums, tongue and cheeks thoroughly. Perform dental cleaning after the baby is breastfed to prevent fungal growth in the oral cavity. In addition to gauze, cleaning the oral cavity can also be done with a cotton bud moistened with warm boiled water. For babies who have teething, use a special toothbrush for babies. The direction of cleaning can be vertical or horizontal.

 

The important thing when brushing teeth is that the entire surface of the teeth is brushed clean, both the outside and the inside (facing the tongue), and the gaps are also cleaned. Don't forget to clean the baby's tongue because the remaining milk stuck to the tongue can become food for bacteria so that it can cause cavities. Do not underestimate this early dental care, because milk teeth will help chew well, thereby maximizing nutrient absorption. Good baby teeth also determine the quality of permanent teeth that will grow. Visit a Pediatric Dentist at Hermina Hospital Balikpapan for further consultation. At registration number 0813-4680-9035. Healthy Greetings

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.