For many children, losing baby teeth and getting their set of adult pearly whites is an exciting time. However, what if those highly anticipated permanent teeth start to come in before the baby teeth fall out? While seeing a tooth start to pop up in front of or behind a baby tooth can be somewhat alarming, there’s no need to panic. Two rows of teeth in kids is a phenomenon known as “shark teeth.” Read on as we break down what causes this condition and what you should do if your child develops it.
What Causes Shark Teeth?
When a permanent tooth begins to come in, it dissolves the roots of the baby tooth above it. This naturally loosens the primary tooth and causes it to fall out, making room for the adult tooth to come in. However, permanent teeth don’t always develop in exactly the right spots. Instead, sometimes they’ll grow in farther back, leaving the roots unbroken as they come up behind the baby tooth. Since sharks also develop new sets of teeth behind each other, these rows of teeth in kids are aptly named shark teeth.
When Do Shark Teeth Typically Develop?
Shark teeth can occur at any time while your little one’s baby teeth are being replaced by their permanent ones. However, there are two periods during oral development when shark teeth seem to happen the most frequently. The first is around the age of six, when the lower front permanent teeth come it. The next most common phase is several years later, around the age of 11, when the upper back molars begin to appear.
What Should I Do If My Child Has Shark Teeth?
If you notice that your little one is starting to develop a shark tooth or two, don’t panic! Many times shark teeth will resolve themselves. First, check the stability of the baby tooth in front of it. If it’s loose, encourage your son or daughter to wiggle it until it falls out. However, if the tooth is only a little loose or not loose at all, this can be a painful task for your child. In these cases, it’s best to visit your Parsippany family dentist.
They’ll examine your little one’s teeth and take X-rays to predict whether the baby tooth is likely to fall out on its own. They will also be able to see if a shark tooth is going to develop behind the front tooth right next to it, which is usually the case. If the baby tooth isn’t likely to come out on its own, it may need to be extracted. Then, your child’s tongue will simply push the permanent tooth into place gradually.
As a parent, you already know that things don’t always go the way you expect or plan for them to, even when it comes to your little one’s teeth. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist to ensure your child’s oral development is on track. Before you know it, your child will be enjoying their beautiful set of new pearly whites!
About the Practice
Rauchberg Dental Group is proud to offer personalized, high quality oral healthcare for smiles of all ages in Parsippany and the surrounding communities. Their team of highly trained specialists and skilled dentists is well-equipped to provide treatments for smiles at every stage of life, from one to 101! With state-of-the-art technology and a fun, relaxing office atmosphere, we strive to make every appointment as pleasant as possible for both kids and their parents. If you have more questions about shark teeth, they can be contacted via their website or at (973) 718-9887.