Shark Teeth in Kids: When a Permanent Tooth Grows Behind a Baby Tooth
You are helping your child brush their teeth one evening and you notice something that stops you mid-brush: there is a new tooth pushing through behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out yet. Your child has what looks like two rows of teeth. It can look alarming, but take a breath. This is one of the most common things we see in pediatric dentistry, and it even has a nickname: shark teeth.
What Are Shark Teeth?
Shark teeth happen when a permanent tooth starts to erupt before the baby tooth in front of it has fallen out. Instead of pushing the baby tooth out from underneath (which is what usually happens), the permanent tooth comes in behind it, creating what looks like a double row of teeth. It most commonly happens with the lower front teeth, usually around ages five to seven, but it can happen with other teeth too.
The clinical term is ectopic eruption, which simply means a tooth is coming in somewhere other than its expected position.
Why Does This Happen?
In most cases, it is just a matter of timing. The permanent tooth was ready before the baby tooth’s root had dissolved enough for it to fall out. Sometimes the permanent tooth takes a slightly different path than expected. It does not mean anything is wrong with your child’s dental development. It is simply a variation in how teeth come in, and it is very common.
Will Shark Teeth Fix Themselves?
Often, yes. Once the baby tooth falls out on its own, the tongue naturally pushes the permanent tooth forward into its correct position over time. Many cases of shark teeth resolve without any treatment at all.
However, if the baby tooth is not loosening on its own after several weeks, or if the permanent tooth is coming in significantly behind or in front of the baby tooth, it is a good idea to have your pediatric dentist take a look. In some cases, we may recommend removing the baby tooth to give the permanent tooth room to move into the right spot.
When Should You Call the Dentist?
You should schedule a visit if the baby tooth is not loose at all and shows no signs of coming out on its own, if your child is in pain or discomfort, if the permanent tooth has been growing behind the baby tooth for more than a few weeks with no change, or if you notice swelling, redness, or signs of infection around the area.
In most cases, a quick exam is all it takes to know whether the situation will resolve on its own or whether the baby tooth needs a little help coming out.
What Happens if the Baby Tooth Needs to Be Removed?
If we determine that the baby tooth should come out, the process is simple and gentle. Baby teeth that have a permanent tooth pushing behind them are usually very easy to remove. We keep your child comfortable, explain what we are doing in language they understand, and make sure the experience is as calm and positive as possible.
Once the baby tooth is out, the permanent tooth typically begins to shift forward on its own. We will monitor the progress at your child’s regular checkups to make sure everything is moving the way it should.
The Bottom Line
Shark teeth look scarier than they are. They are a normal part of growing up, and most of the time they work themselves out. If you notice your child has a permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth and you are not sure what to do, call us. We will take a look and let you know exactly what is going on.
At Pediatric Dentistry in Moline, IL, we see shark teeth regularly, and we are always happy to put a parent’s mind at ease. Families from across the Quad Cities trust us with these kinds of questions, and we are glad they do.