As a parent, you may feel concerned at the first sign of anything abnormal in your child’s life. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to something of medical concern. So, when you see something out of the ordinary in your child’s smile, you might already be dialing their dentist. If you see a second row of teeth on your child, don’t be alarmed! Here is more about the “shark teeth” phenomenon and what you should do to assuage your worries.
What Exactly is the “Shark Teeth” Phenomenon?
The “shark teeth” phenomenon occurs when your child’s permanent adult teeth are coming up behind the baby teeth before they’ve fallen out. This results in a double row of teeth. Shark teeth in children are less uncommon than you might believe. Although they look kind of odd, they’re nothing to be too concerned about.
This phenomenon typically occurs between the ages of 5 and 7. It’s commonly seen on the bottom front teeth, but shark teeth can happen behind the top front teeth and primary molars as well.
What’s happening is that the roots of their baby teeth haven’t dissolved quickly enough before their adult teeth erupt from their gums. However, it’s typically only a matter of time before their baby teeth fall out. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.
When Should I Contact My Child’s Dentist About Shark Teeth?
Although shark teeth are typically nothing to be concerned about, there are some situations in which you should reach out to your child’s dentist.
If their adult teeth are almost at the same height as their baby teeth, and there is still limited movement in the baby teeth, have your child’s dentist take a look.
Another situation to bring your child in for is if the surrounding area becomes sore, irritable, or inflamed.
In both of these cases, their baby teeth may need to be extracted. However, if discomfort is minor, you can try encouraging your child to wiggle their remaining baby teeth daily (either with their finger or tongue) to loosen them.
Regardless, if you are feeling worried about the state of your child’s oral health, trust your instincts! Don’t hesitate to call a pediatric dentist with any questions or concerns you’re unsure about: they’re more than willing to help.
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, your dental team is led by the esteemed and passionate Drs. Mario DeNicola and Monisha Khanna. Both dentists believe in providing high-quality, personalized treatment to patients of all ages. The team is dedicated to making sure your child has a positive dental experience to set their smiles up for success at a young age. If you want to learn more about shark teeth in children, contact the practice at their website or by phone at (540) 432-6616.