Parents visiting our Wake Forest, NC dental practice often express concern when they notice their child’s adult teeth emerging while baby teeth are still firmly in place. This occurrence, commonly known as “shark teeth,” is more common than you might think and usually isn’t cause for alarm.
Understanding the Natural Process of Tooth Loss
Most children begin losing their baby teeth between ages 5 and 7. During this time, permanent teeth gradually dissolve the roots of baby teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out. However, sometimes adult teeth choose a slightly different path, emerging behind the baby teeth instead of directly underneath them.
At our Raleigh, NC location, we work with cases of shark teeth regularly, particularly in children between 6 and 8 years old. The lower front teeth are most commonly affected, though it can happen with any tooth.
Why Do Shark Teeth Occur?
Several factors can contribute to the development of shark teeth:
- The adult tooth develops slightly behind the normal position The permanent tooth’s position in the jaw can affect its eruption path. When this happens, the tooth may not properly dissolve the baby tooth’s root, resulting in both teeth being visible simultaneously. This situation requires monitoring and sometimes professional intervention to ensure proper alignment.
- The baby tooth’s root doesn’t dissolve as expected. Sometimes, the natural process of root dissolution slows down or stops entirely. In these cases, the adult tooth will find an alternative path to emerge, often appearing behind the baby tooth. Regular dental check-ups help monitor this process and determine if intervention is needed.
- Crowding or spacing issues in the jaw Our Wake Forest, NC dentists often observe that children with smaller jaws may experience more instances of shark teeth as their adult teeth seek available space to emerge.
Step-by-Step Guide: Managing Shark Teeth at Home
- Assess the Baby Tooth’s Mobility
- Gently check if the baby tooth is loose
- Monitor any changes in looseness over several days
- Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth naturally
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
- Brush both rows of teeth thoroughly
- Use age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste
- Pay special attention to cleaning between the teeth
- Watch for Warning Signs
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Complaints of discomfort
- Signs of infection or swelling
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact our office at 919.435.7660 if you notice:
- The baby tooth hasn’t loosened after two weeks
- Your child experiences pain or discomfort
- The adult tooth appears significantly misaligned
Treatment Options
Most cases of shark teeth resolve naturally as the baby tooth eventually falls out. However, if the baby tooth remains stubborn, professional extraction might be necessary. The procedure is quick and comfortable, usually performed under local anesthesia if needed. After removal, the permanent tooth typically moves forward into its proper position within a few weeks.
Guide: Preparing Your Child for Dental Visits During This Phase
- Before the Visit:
- Explain what to expect in age-appropriate terms
- Share positive experiences about tooth loss
- Discuss the tooth fairy or other fun traditions
- During the Process:
- Maintain regular dental check-ups
- Take photos to track progress
- Celebrate each lost tooth as a milestone
- After Care:
- Follow any specific hygiene instructions
- Monitor the new tooth’s position
- Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended
Conclusion
While shark teeth may look concerning, they’re usually a normal part of dental development. With proper monitoring and professional guidance when needed, most cases resolve naturally. Remember that every child’s dental development timeline is unique.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for adult teeth to move into position after a baby tooth falls out?
Typically, permanent teeth take 2-3 months to move into their final position, though this can vary by individual.
Is it normal for multiple shark teeth to appear at once?
Yes, particularly with lower front teeth, it’s common to see multiple permanent teeth emerging behind baby teeth simultaneously.
Do shark teeth need immediate treatment?
Not always. Many cases resolve naturally within a few weeks as baby teeth loosen and fall out on their own.
Will shark teeth affect my child’s bite alignment?
Generally no, but professional monitoring ensures proper alignment and development.
Contact us online or call 919.435.7660 to schedule an appointment if you have concerns about your child’s dental development.