[Dentes natales]. / Dentes natales.

As an introduction, this article describes the circumstances under which dental anatomy was taught to first year students at Utrecht University on November 26, 1945, as this led to the observation of a dens natalis. Relevant literature is discussed concerning the significance of the dens natalis for the child's future and for the family. Investigations into the frequency of the phenomenon are mentioned. Variations of the phenomenon are discussed in two cases. An overview of feeding and eating difficulties and measures to be taken concludes the article.