You’ve heard of baby sharks, but have you heard of shark teeth? Shark teeth in kids refer to permanent teeth that erupt behind baby teeth. Adult teeth growing behind milk teeth doesn’t sound good, but it isn’t as bad as you think and is treatable at home or by your dentist. 

Summit Dental Partners can correct adult teeth growing behind baby teeth if they don’t correct themselves. It’s part of our children’s dentistry services. Often, though, it just takes a little patience — and maybe a bit of wiggling.

Permanent Teeth vs. Baby Teeth

What is the difference between adult teeth and milk teeth? Children start with 20 baby teeth — eight incisors, four canines, and eight molars. The first ones begin to erupt between 4 and 7 months of age, but usually around six months or so. 

Baby teeth—also called deciduous teeth or primary teeth—are smaller than a child’s permanent teeth, so they can fit small mouths that will soon move from milk to solid foods. 

When Do Permanent Teeth Come In?

Once the child’s primary teeth are in, the permanent ones are ready to erupt. The first primary tooth loss usually happens at about age six. They typically fall out in the order they erupt, starting with the central incisors. 

After the baby tooth falls out, the permanent tooth fills the gap. This can take up to six months or longer, though it’s possible to see the top of the tooth in the gum when the baby tooth falls out. 

By the time they are 21, your child will have 32 permanent teeth—eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars (bicuspids), and 12 molars, including the wisdom teeth. Some people are born with only two wisdom teeth, while others have none, so it’s OK if your child only has 28 teeth.

What Causes Shark Teeth in Kids?

What happens when adult teeth come in behind baby teeth? It may look like your child has a double row of teeth called “shark teeth.” Why would your child have two rows of teeth? 

The permanent tooth and jaw absorb the baby tooth’s root, which causes it to loosen. Eventually, the baby tooth detaches from the root and falls out, making way for the permanent tooth to erupt in its place. However, if the permanent tooth moves upward at an angle, it could erupt before the baby tooth has fallen out, creating a shark tooth. 

What to Do About a Tooth Coming in Behind Baby Teeth

If you see an adult tooth growing behind a baby tooth, don’t worry! The baby tooth may still fall out on its own. It may just take a little encouragement from you and your child. 

Try wiggling the tooth a few times a day to loosen it. Your child may be able to wiggle the tooth with their tongue. Moving the baby tooth will loosen its connection to the root and will loosen the gums around it, allowing it to fall out naturally.

When to See a Dentist About Shark Teeth

What happens if it doesn’t loosen or fall out? That’s when you need a dentist’s help. Summit Dental Partners in Summit, NJ, can care for your child’s stubborn baby tooth and your “baby’s” shark teeth. We can remove the baby tooth, allowing the permanent tooth to take its place. 

In most cases, the permanent tooth will move into the proper place once the baby tooth is out of the way. Your child’s tongue will help push the tooth into the empty space. This usually happens if the permanent tooth starts erupting when the baby tooth comes out. 

That means the sooner we address your child’s shark teeth, the better the chances your child’s permanent will come in like normal. The longer we wait, the better the chances the permanent tooth will erupt out of place or crooked. That may mean your child will need orthodontic treatment to straighten permanent teeth later. 

Treating Shark Teeth in Summit, NJ

Shark teeth may seem concerning for your child’s smile. If adult teeth grow behind teeth that haven’t fallen out yet, the solution may be as simple as wiggling the baby tooth until it falls out. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to call the dentist. 

Summit Dental Partners offers pediatric dentistry services for patients in the Summit, NJ, area. This includes taking care of troublesome baby teeth. Schedule an appointment with us to find out how we can care for your child’s oral health and those stubborn shark teeth!