Teething issues: Teeth present in newborns?
Teething issues: Teeth present in newborns?
We all imagine newborns to give a cute toothless grin. You might be in for a surprise! There are a few small pearly whites flashing.
Where are the teeth in newborns?
Although not very common 1- 2 small teeth might be present at the time of birth. They are generally seen in the lower jaw front tooth region .These teeth are generally not properly developed and might even be wobbly. Their presence is generally not the indicator of any health condition. They mostly represent extra teeth in the mouth (known as supernumerary teeth) but could also be an early erupted milk tooth. Sometimes 1 or 2 teeth might also erupt in the first month of life.
The big question with such teeth is .....
"What do I do about it?"
The reasons for removing such a tooth include:
1. Risk of breathing in the tooth:
The tooth is moving and not completely developed. In this case the infant runs a risk of breathing in the tooth.
2. Feeding problems and potential injury:
It is causing difficulty in feeding for the infant. Causing soreness of the tongue.
3. Extra tooth:
The tooth is an extra one. In case the removal of the tooth is being considered an X-ray might be required.
If extraction is the given option care should be taken about the following:
1. Avoid extraction:
Avoid extraction up to the 10th day of life to prevent hemorrhage.
2. Vitamin K:
Vitamin K before might be required to be administered before extraction to help in clot formation.
3. Newborn's health:
The general health condition of the newborn should be considered.
4. Avoid injury:
Avoiding unnecessary injury to the gums.
5. Breathing in of the tooth:
Being alert to the risk of “breathing in” of the tooth by the kid during removal.
If the tooth isn’t moving, is properly developed it might be preferable to retain the tooth. Retaining the tooth should be the preferred option especially if the erupted tooth is a milk tooth. This is because milk teeth are very important in creating the size and the shape of the jaw in which the permanent teeth can erupt properly. The retained tooth should be cleaned everyday using a gauze piece or a cotton swab to avoid its decay. Next in this series I will be discussing about “How to maintain a healthy mouth before the first tooth erupts”
