Natal teeth associated with ingestion of herbal medication in pregnancy

Authors

  • Obu C Dorathy Department of Paediatrics
  • Ezeanosike B Obumneme Department of Paediatrics
  • Nwobashi N Lilian Department of Paediatrics
  • Okoye O  Linda Department of Restorative Dentsitry

Abstract

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Natal teeth, Neonatal teeth, Herbal medications, Incisor

Author Biographies

  • Obu C Dorathy, Department of Paediatrics
    Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki PMB 102, Abakaliki. Ebonyi State,
  • Ezeanosike B Obumneme, Department of Paediatrics
    Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki PMB 102, Abakaliki. Ebonyi State
  • Nwobashi N Lilian, Department of Paediatrics
    Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki PMB 102, Abakaliki. Ebonyi State
  • Okoye O  Linda, Department of Restorative Dentsitry
      Faculty of Dentistry College of Medicine University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-ozalla, Enugu

Published

2021-03-01

How to Cite

Natal teeth associated with ingestion of herbal medication in pregnancy. (2021). NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS, 48(1), 57 – 59. https://www.njpaediatrics.com/index.php/njp/article/view/28