Dear Doctor,
My baby was born with two soft teeth. What is the cause and what should I do?
Isabirye

Dear Isabirye,
PRESENCE of natal teeth among newborns is a rare occurrence. They may need to be removed if they are loose so that your child can develop milk teeth at about six months.

However, if they are primary teeth, they may not be extracted unless they cause significant problems. Your child should be examined by a paediatric dentist.

Researchers are baffled by what causes this, but family patterns do play a part. The teeth need to be removed to allow the baby suckle well.