Can a baby be born with teeth?

A baby can be born with teeth, however, it's not too common. Teeth that are already visible at birth are called natal teeth. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that natal teeth only appear in about one in every 2,000 to 3,000 births. NIH further states that usually natal teeth are isolated incidents but their presence may be associated with certain medical syndromes, such as...

• Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
• Hallermann-Streiff syndrome
• Pierre Robin syndrome
• Soto syndrome

Often times, if the natal teeth are loose they are removed shortly after birth in order to avoid the baby sucking in and choking on the tooth or teeth. If your baby is born with natal teeth and they are not removed, NIH recommends gently wiping the gums and teeth with a clean, damp cloth to keep the teeth clean. You should also examine the infant's gums and tongue frequently to make sure the teeth are not causing injury. Learn more about baby gum and teeth care:

• Brushing your baby’s new teeth
• Early care for tiny gums
• Healthy foods for shiny baby teeth