You are helping your child brush their teeth, and you notice something that stops you cold. There is a new tooth growing in behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out yet. Your child now has two rows of teeth. It looks alarming and is typically nothing to worry about.
What Are Shark Teeth?
'Shark teeth' is the nickname for when a permanent tooth starts coming in before the baby tooth above it falls out. Instead of pushing the baby tooth out of the way, the adult tooth erupts behind it, creating a temporary second row. It's most common with the lower front teeth, usually around age five or six.
Why Does This Happen?
Normally, the roots of the baby tooth dissolve as the permanent tooth moves upward, and the baby tooth loosens and falls out on its own. Sometimes the permanent tooth takes a slightly different path and comes in behind the baby tooth instead of directly underneath it. The baby tooth keeps its roots and stays put, at least for a while.
Will It Resolve on Its Own?
In most cases, yes. Once the permanent tooth moves forward, the baby tooth usually loosens and falls out within a few weeks. After the baby tooth is gone, the tongue naturally helps guide the permanent tooth into its correct position over time.
When to Call Your Pediatric Dentist
Contact your dentist if:
- The baby tooth shows no signs of loosening after two to three weeks
- Your child is in pain, or the area looks swollen or red
- The permanent tooth has fully come in, and the baby tooth is still firmly in place
In these situations, your dentist may recommend removing the baby tooth to give the permanent tooth room to move forward. It is a simple procedure and helps prevent alignment issues down the road.
If your child has a 'shark tooth' and you want to have it checked, contact All Smiles Orthodontics and Children's Dentistry in Corona, CA, to schedule a visit.