Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
If you’ve noticed two rows of teeth in your child’s mouth—like a mini shark—you’re probably wondering if this is something to worry about. Shark teeth, or ectopic eruption, are quite common in children and often resolve on their own. But when they don’t, they can create issues that require treatment.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what shark teeth are, what causes them, potential problems they can cause, and the treatment options available.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Shark teeth are common and often fix themselves, but if your child’s baby tooth doesn’t fall out or causes crowding, it’s best to see your family dentist.
What Are Shark Teeth?
Shark teeth refer to a condition where your child’s permanent tooth grows in behind the baby tooth, creating a double row of teeth, much like a shark’s.
Normally, baby teeth fall out to make room for adult teeth, but with shark teeth, the primary tooth doesn’t budge, and the permanent tooth comes in behind it. This often happens with the lower front teeth but can also occur with the upper back molars.
Here are some common reasons why this happens:
- Delayed baby tooth loss: Sometimes, a baby tooth is slow to loosen or fall out, giving the adult tooth no choice but to erupt behind it.
- Stubborn baby teeth roots: The roots of the baby teeth may not dissolve properly, making it harder for them to fall out on time.
- Oral development issues: Occasionally, the child’s overall oral development is out of sync, causing the permanent teeth to come in too soon or too late.
What Do Shark Teeth Look Like?
If your child has shark teeth, you’ll likely notice:
- Two distinct rows of teeth—one behind the other.
- The baby tooth may still be in place, but it’s often loose.
- Crowding or overlapping, especially as the new adult tooth tries to push through.
Potential Problems Caused by Shark Teeth
While these teeth often fix themselves, they can lead to complications in some cases:
- Crowded teeth: The extra set of teeth can cause the mouth to become crowded, pushing teeth out of alignment.
- Misaligned teeth: If the permanent teeth don’t erupt in their proper position, it can affect your child’s bite and oral health.
- Orthodontic issues: This condition may lead to the need for orthodontic care down the line if the new teeth grow-in crooked or crowded.
- Tooth decay: Extra teeth can make it harder to clean all surfaces properly, which could lead to tooth decay and gum problems.
Treatment Options for Shark Teeth
Watch and Wait
In many cases, the best approach is to wait and let nature take its course. These teeth usually fall out on their own within a few weeks or months. If your child is comfortable and there’s no crowding or misalignment, waiting might be all you need to do. However, always get a check-up if you have any questions–i.e. if the bite doesn’t feel right, definitely get it checked out.
Tooth Extraction
If the baby tooth is particularly stubborn or if there’s significant crowding, your dentist may suggest a tooth extraction to help the permanent tooth come into its correct position.
Orthodontic Care
In cases where shark teeth have caused misaligned teeth or severe crowding, orthodontic treatment might be necessary to straighten the teeth and ensure they’re in their proper place. This can help prevent further oral health problems as your child grows.
When to See a Dentist
It’s always a good idea to keep up with regular dental check-ups to monitor your child’s oral health. However, if you notice extra teeth, it’s important to visit your dentist if:
- the baby tooth hasn’t fallen out after two months
- there is pain or discomfort
- you see signs of crowding or misaligned teeth
- your child has difficulty chewing or speaking due to the extra teeth
Your dentist will assess the situation through a visual exam and may recommend a treatment plan, whether that’s monitoring the situation or proceeding with a tooth extraction.
Preventing Shark Teeth
Shark teeth are out of your control, but you can promote healthy oral development.
- Encourage good oral hygiene practices, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
- Limit sugary foods that can cause tooth decay.
- Bring your child for routine check-ups to track their dental development and catch any potential issues early.
Power Road Dental Care: Your Trusted Family Dentist in Mesa, AZ
Shark teeth are a common occurrence in kids and usually resolve on their own. If the baby teeth don’t fall out or your child experiences crowding or discomfort, or if the bite feels off, consult with your family dentist.
At Power Road Dental Care, we make visiting the dentist a fun experience! Our goal is to create a lifelong love for dental care, and help you create healthy habits. To achieve this, we encourage parents to bring their children in for a “happy visit” around age one. The sooner you introduce your child to the dentist, the better!
If you are searching for a dentist that can treat your whole family, call (480) 664-1438 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. Or visit our dental office in Mesa at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ. We can’t wait to meet you!