It’s common for parents to notice permanent teeth, also called adult teeth, emerging behind baby teeth that hasn’t fallen out. This situation, known as “shark teeth,” affects about 10% of children and can cause concern.
However, in most cases, it’s a normal part of dental development and often resolves on its own. Here’s what you need to know about this scenario and when to seek guidance from a pediatric dentist.
Adult Teeth Emerging
When adult teeth begin to emerge, it usually dissolves the root of the baby tooth, causing it to loosen and eventually fall out. Sometimes, however, the adult tooth grows in behind the baby tooth instead of directly underneath.
This often happens in the lower front teeth around age 6 or the upper molars around age 11.
Steps to Take
If the Baby Tooth Is Loose
Encourage your child to gently wiggle the loose baby tooth with clean fingers or their tongue. Over time, the adult tooth will push the baby tooth out, and it will naturally move into its proper position.
If the Baby Tooth Is Firm
If the baby tooth remains firm and refuses to loosen, it may require assistance from your pediatric dentist. In this case, the dentist will likely take an X-ray to determine why the baby tooth isn’t loosening.
If necessary, they will carefully extract the baby tooth to ensure the adult tooth has enough space to move into the correct position. Click here to book a dental appointment.
Is it Serious?
In most cases, “shark teeth” don’t indicate a problem and resolve without intervention. However, there are situations where leaving the baby tooth in place too long can crowd the adult tooth, causing misalignment. That’s why regular dental visits are essential during your child’s tooth transition years.
Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist is uniquely trained to handle children’s dental development, offering expert care in cases like “shark teeth.” They understand how to make the experience stress-free for your child while addressing any potential complications.
Book a Dental Appointment
As with adults, your child needs to get their teeth cleaned and a dental checkup every six months. Kids should start going to the dentist soon after their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday, whichever happens first. Click here to book a dental appointment.