Shark Teeth

As parents, we watch our children go through many exciting milestones, and losing baby teeth is one of them! However, one common concern parents often face is when a permanent tooth starts growing behind a baby tooth, creating what is commonly referred to as "shark teeth." This can be concerning, but it’s more common than you may think, and luckily, there are steps that can be taken to address it.

What Causes "Shark Teeth?

"Shark teeth" occur when the permanent teeth erupt before the baby teeth have fallen out.
This usually happens with the lower front teeth or upper back molars. It can happen because the roots of the baby teeth don’t dissolve quickly enough to make room for the permanent teeth. As a result, the adult teeth begin to come in behind them, giving the appearance of a second row of teeth.

This condition is more common around ages 5 to 7, but it can happen at any stage of tooth eruption.

Is It a Cause for Concern?

In most cases, "shark teeth" aren’t anything to panic about. Often, the baby teeth will become loose and fall out naturally within a few weeks as the permanent teeth push them out. However, if the baby teeth don’t come loose after several weeks or if your child is experiencing discomfort, it's important to consult your child’s dentist.

What Can Be Done About It?

1. Monitor the Situation:

If your child is not experiencing pain and the baby tooth is already a little loose, it’s often best to wait and see if the tooth falls out on its own. Encourage your child to gently wiggle the baby tooth to speed up the process.

2. Consult a Dentist:

If the baby tooth doesn’t become loose or if you notice your child’s teeth shifting out of alignment, it's time to schedule a visit to your dentist. The dentist may take an X-ray to assess how the permanent tooth is coming in and whether the baby tooth needs to be extracted.

3. Tooth Extraction

In some cases, the baby tooth may need to be removed by the dentist.
This is a simple and routine procedure that ensures the permanent tooth has enough space to grow properly. Early intervention can also help prevent alignment issues in the future.

4. Orthodontic Evaluation

Depending on the alignment of the adult teeth,
your dentist may recommend a visit to the orthodontist. While "shark teeth" alone don’t necessarily mean your child will need braces, an orthodontist can assess whether any early intervention is needed for proper tooth alignment.

Preventing Future Issues

Although "shark teeth" are often unavoidable,
regular dental check-ups can help identify potential issues early. If your dentist sees that your child’s baby teeth aren’t falling out at the expected time, they may suggest options to help the process along. Teaching your child good oral hygiene habits will also ensure their new adult teeth stay healthy and strong!

Conclusion
While "shark teeth" can look unusual,
it’s generally not something to be overly concerned about. In most cases, the baby teeth will eventually fall out on their own, and the adult teeth will grow in just fine. However, if the situation persists or your child is in pain, visiting your dentist is the best course of action. By staying proactive, you can help your child’s smile stay healthy and bright as they grow.

When a permanent tooth starts erupting under a baby tooth, the root of the baby tooth is resorbed and the permanent tooth takes its place. 

Sometimes the permanent tooth starts erupting in the mouth while the baby tooth is still there - this is known as shark teeth because of its appearance. It usually occurs in the lower and upper front teeth. If the baby tooth does not get out itself then it has to be extracted and the permanent tooth will naturally come in its place.

What causes Shark teeth?

Most commonly, at the age of 5-7 years, the permanent teeth start to push the baby tooth so they shed off. But sometimes the baby teeth don't want to leave the baby’s mouth and the permanent one comes right behind it and causes two rows of teeth to exist, one of the adult teeth and one of the baby teeth.

When should baby teeth fall out?

In total, a child has 20 baby teeth ( 10 upper and 10 lower) which start erupting at the age of 6 months. All these teeth come off before the age of 12 years. The permanent adult teeth are 32 in total and start erupting from the age of 6yrs.

What should you do if your baby has 2 rows of teeth?

For this case, there are some solutions for you. If the baby tooth is loose, tell your child to wiggle it out so it can come out on itself naturally. If the tooth is not loose you can take an appointment with a Children's general dentist. The dentist will perform a tooth extraction to remove the baby's tooth. If one of the front teeth grows the teeth behind it then it's most likely possible that the other one will do the same because pairs of teeth often act the same way. So instead of two visits, you can wait for the other adult tooth to grow so you can get your child’s teeth extracted in the same visit.

If your child is experiencing erupted teeth behind their front teeth,
Call the Paterson Office (973) 742-4200 to schedule an appointment or
Passaic  ( 973) 574-1000
Union City(201) 325-8444

Serving Paterson, Passaic, and Hudson NJ, and the surrounding communities, we offer comprehensive oral health services ranging from routine cleanings to emergency treatment. We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment to keep all members of the family comfortable in the office.

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