Abstract
BACKGROUND: Natal and neonatal teeth are deciduous teeth present at birth or erupting within the first 30 days of life, respectively. They are a rare dental phenomenon with unclear etiology. Their presence can lead to clinical complications such as feeding difficulties or risk of aspiration. This study aimed to assess the incidence of natal and neonatal teeth in the Polish population over a 15-year period, analyze temporal trends in their occurrence and evaluate potential associations with perinatal variables, including newborn sex, gestational age, and maternal age. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using medical records coded as K00.6 (Dentia praecox) submitted to the Greater Poland National Health Fund between 2007 and 2022. Birth data were obtained from the Central Statistical Office. Statistical analysis included binary logistic regression to assess trends over time and associations with delivery timing and maternal age. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to evaluate changes in the number of pathological teeth per case. The Fisher-Freeman-Halton test with Monte Carlo simulation was used to examine sex-based differences. A literature review of studies published between 2010 and 2024 was performed for global comparison. RESULTS: Out of all live births in the region, 471 cases were identified (0.08% prevalence), with natal teeth comprising 93.8% of cases. The incidence increased from 0.039% in 2007 to 0.134% in 2022. Logistic regression revealed statistically significant increases in on-time deliveries and post-term births among affected cases. Maternal age under 20 and between 20 and 35 years was significantly associated with a higher probability of children having natal or neonatal teeth. A notable shift from single to multiple-teeth cases over time was observed. No significant differences in prevalence by sex were found. Comparative analysis indicated variation in global prevalence, likely due to methodological and demographic differences. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of natal and neonatal teeth in the Polish population has increased over the past 15 years, with significant associations observed with maternal age and birth timing. These findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and standardized data reporting. Future international studies with consistent methodologies and statistical analysis are needed to clarify etiological factors and guide clinical management of affected infants.