{"id":330,"date":"2026-10-21T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gandgpediatricdentistryandorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=330"},"modified":"2026-10-21T07:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T07:00:00","slug":"shark-teeth-what-it-means-and-what-can-be-done","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gandgpediatricdentistryandorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=330","title":{"rendered":"Shark Teeth: What It Means & What Can Be Done"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Dentist<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Have you noticed your child’s permanent teeth coming in behind their baby teeth, creating what looks like two rows of teeth? This unusual dental development is commonly called “shark teeth,” and while it might look concerning, it’s actually fairly common in children. In this article, you\u2019ll learn more behind this phenomenon and how a pediatric dentist<\/a> can treat it.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are Shark Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shark teeth occur when a child’s permanent teeth begin erupting before the corresponding baby teeth have fallen out. Instead of replacing the baby teeth directly, the permanent teeth emerge behind them, creating the appearance of 2 rows of teeth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This phenomenon most frequently happens with the lower front teeth, typically between the ages of 5 and 7. It can also occur with the upper front teeth and occasionally other areas of the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Normally, permanent teeth develop beneath the roots of baby teeth. As they begin moving into position, they stimulate the natural breakdown of the baby teeth’s roots, eventually causing them to loosen and fall out. However, sometimes permanent teeth erupt behind the baby teeth instead of directly underneath them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should Parents Be Worried About Shark Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, shark teeth are a temporary part of normal dental development. Once the baby teeth become loose enough to fall out, the permanent teeth often gradually move forward into their proper positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are situations when professional attention is necessary. If the baby teeth aren’t becoming loose, the permanent teeth are significantly out of alignment, or your child is experiencing discomfort, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving retained baby teeth in place for too long can sometimes contribute to crowding or interfere with proper alignment. Your pediatric dentist can determine whether the teeth are likely to correct themselves or need additional assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can a Pediatric Dentist Do About Shark Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The appropriate treatment depends on your child’s age, dental development, and how much the permanent teeth have erupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few ways a pediatric dentist may address shark teeth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitor Their Dental Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the baby teeth are already loose and the permanent teeth are erupting normally, your dentist may simply recommend monitoring the situation. Many children experience natural improvement without treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommend Removing Retained Baby Teeth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the baby teeth aren’t loosening on their own, your pediatric dentist may recommend extracting them. Removing the retained teeth can create room for permanent teeth to move into their intended positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evaluate Potential Alignment Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If permanent teeth are coming in significantly out of position, your dentist can assess whether crowding or other orthodontic concerns may develop. In some cases, an orthodontic evaluation may be recommended as your child grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Parents Help Their Children?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you notice shark teeth, encourage your child to gently wiggle any loose baby teeth, but never force a tooth out. Maintain regular brushing and flossing habits, even when two rows of teeth are present. Pay particular attention to cleaning around the newly erupted permanent teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, don’t panic. Shark teeth are a relatively common childhood dental occurrence, and many cases resolve naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your child’s smile goes through many changes as permanent teeth replace baby teeth. If you notice shark teeth, a pediatric dentist can evaluate their development, determine whether intervention is necessary, and help ensure their permanent teeth have the best opportunity to grow into healthy positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We proudly serve the dental needs of kids in the Naperville area with exceptional, tailor-made oral healthcare services. When we say kids, we mean from the time they\u2019re in diapers up until they cross the graduation stage, and that includes special needs children, too! Contact us online<\/a> or call (630) 778-9500<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Have you noticed your child’s permanent teeth coming in behind their baby teeth, creating what looks like two rows of teeth? This unusual dental development is commonly called “shark teeth,” and while it might look concerning, it’s actually fairly common in children. In this article, you\u2019ll learn more behind this phenomenon and how a pediatric […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nKids Shark Teeth | G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Have you noticed a second row of teeth in your kid\u2019s smile? 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