Oral Reactive Lesions Associated to Incomplete Removal of Natal Teeth: Case Report

Natal teeth are infrequent at birth. Dental extraction is the most recommended treatment to avoid complications. Reactive soft tissue lesions associated to natal tooth or its incomplete removal are rare. A five-month-old female presented natal teeth #71 and #81 which were removed the day after the birth. The baby evolved with two nodules in the region of #71 and #81, pedunculated, 10 and 9 mm, respectively, covered by a pink mucosa, firm in consistency. Periapical radiography showed two radiopaque areas, suggestive of root fragments. After 30 days the nodule located in the region of #81 became purple in color and ulcerated. Both lesions were removed with high intensity diode laser. Histopathological analysis was compatible with inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (#71) and pyogenic granuloma (#81). Early diagnosis of oral lesions in newborns by means of histopathological examination and a minimum invasive treatment, such as laser surgery, should be of primary concern.

Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome

Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, also known as chondroectodermal dysplasia, is a complex genetic disorder caused by the mutation of particular genes, characterized by dwarfism, polydactyly, abnormal nail structure, and dental malformations. Dental manifestations include enamel hypoplasia and hypodontia. Patients with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome may also have heart defects that would require specific diagnostic tools. The exact prevalence of this disorder remains poorly investigated because most risk groups are the Amish population, who refuse to share personal information voluntarily. We hereby present a case report of an eighteen-year-old young woman who presented with the chief complaint of poor appearance of teeth. The medical history includes ventricular hypertrophy and epilepsy. The patient had mandibular natal teeth that were removed. The first line of treatment was offered when the girl was seven, and standard check-ups and orthodontic manipulations were made within the last ten years. Overall, this case proves the importance of radiographic and physical examination, along with the multidisciplinary cooperation of dentists, surgeons, orthodontists, anesthetists, and cardiologists. Keywords: Dental enamel hypoplasia; Dwarfism; Ellis-van Creveld syndrome; Epilepsy; Malformed nails; Natal teeth

Neonatal teeth concomitant with fibrous hyperplasia: A rare case report

Eruption of tooth at about 6 months of age is a momentous stage in child’s life and is an emotional event for the parents. Though, a tooth present in the oral cavity of new born can lead to a lot of delusions. The occurrence of natal and neonatal teeth is a scarce anomaly, which for centuries has been associated with assorted superstitions among different ethnic groups. Natal teeth are more frequent than neonatal teeth, with the ratio being approximately 3: 1. Natal and neonatal teeth are of paramount importance not only for a dentist but also for a paediatrician since their presence may lead to numerous complications. Early detection and treatment of these teeth are recommended because they may induce deformity or mutilation of tongue, dehydration, inadequate nutrients intake by the infant, and growth retardation, the pattern and time of eruption of teeth and its morphology. This paper reports a rare case, wherein a neonatal tooth has led to the development of a fibrous hyperplasia in 10 months old infant.

Natal teeth associated with ingestion of herbal medication in pregnancy: A case report

Significant alteration in timing of tooth eruption with the first teeth being present at birth or erupting during the first month of life is a rare occurrence in humans. Timing of tooth eruption may be affected by hereditary, endocrine and environmental factors. The presence of natal teeth may lead to complications such as discomfort during suckling, laceration of the mother’s breasts, sublingual ulceration with resultant feed refusal, and aspiration of the teeth making tooth extraction a management option in affected infants. This is to report a rare finding of eight markedly enlarged natal teeth in a post term male. His mother ingested different kinds of herbal medications prior to conception and during pregnancy. The report is aimed at raising questions about the possibility of a causal relationship between antenatal ingestion of herbal medications and occurrence of natal teeth.

A Narrative review of Myths on Natal and Neonatal Teeth in Nigeria

Myths associated with neonatal and natal teeth (NNT) differ across different countries and cultures, ranging from beliefs of a magnificent future at one end, to that of serious misfortune at the opposite end. In Nigeria, the beliefs reported on NNT have been mostly negative and erroneous, with consequential effects of varying degrees ranging from anxiety by the affected child‘s mother and other members of the family to infanticide contemplation. The beliefs surrounding NNT, oftentimes, are handed down from generation to generation, and they are held in high esteem in many families. These erroneous beliefs need to be dispelled and the accurate information regarding NNT need to be passed to the people for public health benefits.