Regular Carbamazepine Intake in Teen-age Pregnancy and Development of Natal Tooth: Clinico-forensic Relevance

Abstract

Introduction: Teeth that are present at birth are termed natal teeth. The prevalence of natal teeth in western society is 1:700 – 1:30,000, the higher upper limit was established by a study involving personal examination of each case and hence deemed to be authentic. Gender, as a risk factor, remains controversial with no established figures.  Similarly, geographic and dietetic correlations do not have a sound basis, either.

Results and Discussion: In this original work, the authors elaborate and duly discuss about development of natal tooth in a neonate born to a teen-age primi with certain clinical and potential forensic consequences and its relevance in Indian context.

Conclusions: The work merits attention because this is the first time that regular carbamazepine intake during pregnancy was prima facie linked with the development of natal tooth.  Even as psycho-social stress caused to the socially stigmatized mother of such a baby may prove detrimental to her own physical and mental health; it can potentially lead her to self-harm and attempted suicide under certain extenuating circumstances especially in rural/semi-urban settings.  Further studies on anti-epileptic and certain other drugs with their putative teratogenic effects are continuing under the supervision of the authors in a tertiary medical centre in North-west India affiliated to a state university based in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (India) for the last few years.