title: Natal tooth and cultural impact on its management in a tropical neonatal unit: a case report.
abstract: The incidence of natal tooth is uncommon and its management could be fraught with challenges. A 3 day old female presented with features of sepsis and a natal tooth. Treatment for sepsis was permitted and successfully instituted but definitive management of the natal tooth was deferred, for cultural reasons, by the parents. The case documents the occurrence of natal tooth and highlights the impact of cultural beliefs on management of some medical conditions. It underscores the need to develop the relationship between orthodox medical care and cultural beliefs, in susceptible communities, with a view to achieving optimal health care delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria.
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Eseigbe
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Adama
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Amuda
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eseigbe
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009306:Natal Teeth / Q000601:surgery*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000628:therapy*; D013609:Taboo