A 7 day old baby girl has left residents of Chilubi Island in shock after being born with visible teeth, sparking fear and superstition in the community.
The rare case, medically known as natal teeth, was discovered by the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) during a medical outreach programme at Kuwena Rural Health Centre in Northern Province.
The infant, born to a 17-year-old mother, was presented to the ZFDS team by concerned family members who were disturbed after noticing teeth already present in the baby’s mouth just days after birth.
The case immediately stirred panic among relatives, many of whom feared the condition was a spiritual or cultural omen, a belief still held in some rural parts of Zambia where such births are associated with bad luck or witchcraft.
ZFDS lead doctor Maridjani Juma, who examined the child, explained that the condition was rare but medically recognised.
“They had never encountered anything like it and feared it could be a bad omen,” said Dr Juma.
He clarified that natal teeth affect about one in every 2,000 births and usually involve the early eruption of baby teeth, most commonly the lower front incisors, adding that the condition occurs more frequently in female infants.
Dr Juma further said that although the exact cause of natal teeth is not fully understood, factors such as maternal infections, poor nutrition during pregnancy, and certain health conditions may contribute to the condition.
He said the baby was in good health and not at risk, adding that his team took time to counsel the family, explaining the condition and providing basic care instructions on how to manage the child’s oral hygiene.
He encouraged the community to avoid relying on myths and to seek proper medical guidance whenever unusual conditions are observed in newborns.
The ZFDS, which continues to provide free medical services to hard-to-reach areas of Zambia, used the opportunity to sensitise residents of Chilubi Island on the importance of science-based health information over traditional superstition.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 1, 2025
