As children grow, their smiles go through many changes. One stage that can sometimes surprise parents is the appearance of “shark teeth.” This nickname describes when a child’s permanent teeth start to come in before their baby teeth have fallen out, creating two rows of teeth that resemble a shark’s smile. While it may look unusual, shark teeth in kids are fairly common and usually not a cause for concern. Here’s what every parent should know about shark teeth and how to handle them.
What Are Shark Teeth?
Shark teeth occur when the permanent adult teeth erupt behind the baby teeth instead of directly underneath them. Normally, the pressure of incoming adult teeth loosens baby teeth, helping them fall out naturally. But in some cases, the permanent teeth emerge before the baby teeth have had a chance to move. This results in two visible rows of teeth, typically in the lower front of the mouth, though it can also happen with upper teeth or molars.
When Do They Appear?
Shark teeth most often show up around ages 5 to 7, when kids typically begin losing their baby teeth. However, they can also appear later as permanent molars and canines start coming in. It’s usually just a temporary stage, but it can make parents wonder if intervention is needed.
Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases, shark teeth aren’t harmful and resolve on their own. The baby teeth often loosen and fall out naturally within weeks, allowing the permanent teeth to move into place. However, if the baby tooth doesn’t fall out after a couple of months, or if your child is experiencing discomfort, it’s a good idea to check in with your dentist.
What Can You Do About It?
Encourage Wiggling
If a baby tooth is loose but hasn’t fallen out yet, encourage your child to gently wiggle it with a clean finger or their tongue. This can speed up the process and allow the permanent tooth to shift into the proper spot.
Watch and Wait
Patience is often the best approach. Many cases of shark teeth correct themselves without any treatment. Keep an eye on the situation, and if the permanent tooth begins moving forward once the baby tooth falls out, no intervention is needed.
Visit the Dentist
If the baby tooth isn’t loosening, your dentist may recommend extracting it. This creates space for the permanent tooth to move into the correct alignment. Early intervention can prevent future crowding or bite issues.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
With two rows of teeth, food particles can get trapped more easily. Make sure your child brushes and flosses carefully to avoid cavities or gum irritation during this stage.
Shark teeth may look alarming, but they are a natural part of many children’s dental development. Most often, the baby teeth fall out on their own and the permanent teeth settle into place without issue. However, regular dental checkups are important to monitor your child’s progress and ensure their smile develops properly. If you ever have concerns, your child’s dentist can provide guidance and, if necessary, a simple solution to keep their teeth healthy and aligned.
About the Author
Dr. Roxanne Clark has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years! She is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and afterwards continued her studies with a fellowship program in dentistry for the developmentally disabled at Stony Brook University in New York. Finally, she returned to the University of Maryland to complete a two-year specialty program in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Clark has stayed current in her field through ongoing education and memberships in the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, and the Baltimore County Dental Association. If you’re looking for a trusted professional for your little one, schedule an appointment with us online or call (443) 241-7575.