Question
A newborn was found to have a milk tooth on the upper palate, and the parents had previously tried to remove it with a needle but were unsuccessful. Recently, there has been an observation of reduced breastfeeding quantity in the infant. Could this be related to the milk tooth?
Answer
A milk tooth, also known as a plate tooth, is a normal physiological phenomenon caused by the accumulation of epithelial cells or swelling of mucous glands. It commonly appears as white blisters in the infant’s mouth and should not be pierced to avoid infection. The milk tooth will naturally disappear over time and is considered a normal change in the developmental process. The presence of a milk tooth does not affect breastfeeding in infants, so if there is an observation of reduced breastfeeding quantity, other possible causes should be considered rather than the milk tooth. It is recommended that parents do not worry excessively and can consult a professional doctor for more comprehensive guidance.