If you’ve noticed a second row of teeth forming behind your child’s baby teeth, you’re not alone. This phenomenon—often called “shark teeth”—can look alarming, but it’s actually quite common in children. In most cases, it’s a normal part of dental development and nothing to panic about.
What Are Shark Teeth?
“Shark teeth” refers to a situation where permanent teeth begin to erupt before the baby teeth have fallen out. Instead of pushing the baby tooth out right away, the new tooth comes in behind it, creating a double row that resembles a shark’s teeth.
This most often occurs with the lower front teeth but can happen in other areas as well. It typically appears between the ages of 5 and 7, when children start losing their primary teeth.
Why Does It Happen?
Normally, permanent teeth dissolve the roots of baby teeth as they come in, causing them to loosen and fall out. However, in some cases, the permanent tooth erupts slightly out of position and doesn’t fully break down the baby tooth’s root. As a result, the baby tooth stays in place while the adult tooth grows in behind it.
Genetics, jaw size, and tooth positioning can all play a role in this process.
What Should You Do?
In many cases, no immediate treatment is necessary. The baby tooth will often loosen and fall out on its own as your child continues to chew and use their teeth. Encouraging your child to gently wiggle the loose baby tooth with clean hands or while eating crunchy foods (like apples) can help speed up the process.
However, if the baby tooth remains firmly in place after a few weeks, or if your child experiences discomfort, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist. The dentist may recommend removing the baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to move into its proper position.
Will It Affect Alignment?
Shark teeth can sometimes cause temporary crowding, but in many cases, the tongue naturally helps guide the permanent teeth forward into alignment once the baby tooth is gone. Still, your dentist will monitor your child’s development to ensure everything is progressing as it should.
If alignment issues persist, orthodontic treatment may be considered later on—but that’s not always necessary.
While shark teeth may look unusual, they’re usually a normal part of growing up. Most cases resolve on their own with a little patience. Keeping up with regular dental checkups ensures that your child’s teeth are developing properly and that any concerns are addressed early. If you’re ever unsure, your dentist can provide reassurance and guidance to keep your child’s smile on track.
About the Practice
Is your child in need of orthodontic treatment for their shark teeth? At Coral Kids Dentistry & Braces, we’re creating smooth paths to a straight smile. We provide start-to-finish childhood orthodontics in-house, no referrals needed. We’re led by a board-certified pediatric dentist in a fun, colorful, and state-of-the-art office. Let’s get started! Book online or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.