Babies should continually keep their tongue over their lower gum while 
breastfeeding, so the mother should never feel the gums. Even natal 
teeth are not a problem if the baby is not tongue-tied. The lingual 
frenulum you've observed is very likely to be the real culprit here. The 
frenulum also might insert strongly into the gum ridge causing a small 
separation in the bone, making it look like there are two teeth under 
the gums. This appearance is enhanced when there is blanching of the gum 
mucosa when the baby tries to move the tongue (all the stress causes 
obstruction of capillary blood flow...).

Touch to the tooth bearing surface of the lower gum stimulates the bite 
reflex, which is inhibited if the tongue is in the way. So the biting is 
a direct consequence of the baby being unable to keep the tongue over 
the gum. Once the frenulum is adequately released, the biting should 
stop. If not, some range of motion exercises to help the baby bring the 
tongue forward and keep it extended during sucking might help.

Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC  NYC  cwgenna.com

On 9/24/2012 5:23 PM, Sonya Shaver wrote:
> Hello all,
> If anyone has any quick help for us, I would be grateful.  I am helping a
> mom with a two-day old baby whose baby has two teeth coming out of her
> bottom gum.  I am assuming they are teeth.  They are very hard, and they
> are covered with gum tissue though.  I am not finding much in the books.
>   In Riordan, it's stated that sometimes an infant will be born with
> supernumerary teeth that are soft with no enamel, and that they are usually
> shed spontaneously.  Does this mean they will erupt through the gum and
> fall out?  Does the mom need to be concerned about watching for when that
> happens?
>
> This mom is having a lot of pain with and difficulty latching.  There is
> also a lingual frenulum which she is seeing the ENT for this week.  Baby
> bites down very firmly, and mom says her nipples began bleeding today.  I
> am going to see her tonight.  Any ideas or info about the teeth?  Thanks so
> much for any help you have.
>
> best,
> Sonya Shaver, BS, CHES, IBCLC
>
> *
> *
>
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