One day your child is smiling as usual. The next, you notice a second row of teeth growing behind their baby teeth. It looks strange and raises a lot of questions. This condition, often called shark teeth in kids, happens when adult teeth start to come in before the baby teeth fall out. While it can be alarming to see, it’s actually a common part of dental development for many children. Understanding why it happens and what to do next can help you decide when to wait and when to get a dentist involved.
What Are Shark Teeth in Kids?
Shark teeth in kids happen when the permanent tooth begins to erupt behind a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out yet. Instead of growing under the baby tooth and pushing it out, the adult tooth takes its own path and comes in behind, resulting in two rows of teeth.
The name comes from sharks, which naturally have multiple rows of teeth at all times. In children, this usually shows up in the lower front teeth but can happen elsewhere in the mouth.
What Are the Causes of Shark Teeth in Kids?
Timing is the most common factor. Permanent teeth usually develop under baby teeth and push them out when the time is right. Sometimes, though, the baby tooth’s roots don’t break down fast enough, and the adult tooth starts coming in behind it.
Other causes of shark teeth in kids include:
- Crowded teeth. If the jaw doesn’t have enough space, the permanent tooth may erupt behind the baby one.
- Early eruption. Some kids’ permanent teeth grow in earlier than expected.
- Stubborn baby teeth. A few baby teeth just don’t want to fall out, even when the adult tooth is ready.
These situations often occur naturally and don’t reflect any serious issue. Still, monitoring the timing and placement of the teeth matters to avoid future problems.
When Do Shark Teeth Usually Appear?
This usually happens around ages 5 to 7 when kids begin losing their front teeth. Most cases involve the lower incisors, although upper incisors and molars can show the same pattern. The age can vary depending on your child’s growth and development.
Some kids only experience this once. Others may see it more than once as different permanent teeth erupt. As each set of baby teeth gets replaced, there’s a small chance the new tooth may come in before the old one falls out.
Signs Parents Should Watch For
Parents are usually the first to spot shark teeth during brushing or meals. Watch for:
- Two rows of teeth, usually one behind the other
- Baby tooth not loosening, even after a few weeks
- Mild gum discomfort, especially while chewing
- Crowding, with teeth appearing too close together or shifting out of alignment
- Changes in eating habits, such as avoiding hard foods
Not all kids feel pain, but the change in appearance often makes parents wonder if something is wrong.
Do Shark Teeth in Kids Correct Themselves?
In many cases, yes. Baby teeth eventually fall out on their own, and the adult tooth moves forward into its place. This process might take a few weeks. During this time, encourage your child to wiggle the loose baby tooth gently each day.
If the baby tooth remains firmly in place after several weeks, the adult tooth may not have enough room to align properly. This is when a dentist may recommend removing the baby tooth to allow proper alignment.
What Can Happen If Shark Teeth Go Untreated?
Most shark teeth resolve without treatment, but ignoring cases where the baby tooth doesn’t fall out can cause future problems:
- Crowding. The adult tooth may be pushed out of alignment, creating crooked teeth or bite problems.
- Speech concerns. Poor positioning of teeth can interfere with pronunciation.
- Cavities. Extra rows make brushing and flossing harder, increasing the risk of decay.
- Chewing issues. Misalignment can affect how your child bites or chews food.
The longer a baby tooth remains in place after an adult tooth has erupted, the higher the chance of misalignment or orthodontic problems.
Treatment Options for Shark Teeth
Wait and Monitor
In many cases, dentists recommend watching the tooth for a few weeks. If the baby tooth starts to loosen and the adult tooth looks like it will shift forward, no treatment may be needed. Kids often wiggle the tooth enough for it to come out on its own.
Simple Baby Tooth Extraction
If the baby tooth remains firmly rooted or your child feels pain, a quick in-office extraction may help. Removing the baby tooth gives the permanent tooth the space it needs to move forward.
The procedure is simple and painless with the help of numbing gel or sedation. Kangaroo Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offers this service in a child-friendly setting. Our team works hard to make the process as easy as possible for both kids and parents.
Orthodontic Evaluation
In rare cases, the adult teeth may still grow in at an angle even after the baby teeth fall out. If crowding or misalignment occurs, an orthodontist may recommend early intervention. Early orthodontic evaluation helps avoid more extensive treatment later.
When to See a Dentist or Orthodontist
Schedule a visit if:
- The baby tooth doesn’t get loose within three to four weeks after the adult tooth comes in
- Your child complains of pain in the gums or while chewing
- You notice crowding or teeth starting to overlap
- You’re unsure if the baby tooth will fall out on its own
A pediatric dentist can examine the area and decide if waiting is safe or if a baby tooth removal would help. Kangaroo Smiles offers evaluations that help parents understand what’s happening and how to manage it.
Why Choose Kangaroo Smiles for Shark Teeth?
Shark teeth may look unusual, but treatment is often simple. The key is to catch the issue early and act before it affects how permanent teeth grow in. At Kangaroo Smiles, we offer gentle exams and treatments designed to keep kids comfortable.
Our offices in Lowell and Methuen create a positive dental experience for every child. Whether your child needs a simple check or a baby tooth extraction, our team supports you through every step.
We also provide early orthodontic screenings, so we can catch possible bite or spacing issues before they require longer treatment.
FAQs
How common are shark teeth in kids?
Shark teeth are fairly common, especially in children between the ages of 5 and 7. Many kids experience it once during their transition from baby to adult teeth.
What are the causes of shark teeth in kids?
Timing issues during tooth eruption cause most cases. The adult tooth comes in before the baby tooth has loosened enough to fall out. Crowding, slow root resorption, or early adult tooth eruption can also play a role.
Will my child need braces if they have shark teeth?
Not always. If the permanent tooth lines up correctly after the baby tooth falls out, braces might not be needed. If misalignment occurs, early orthodontic care can help guide proper tooth position.
Schedule a Dental Evaluation Today
If you notice two rows of teeth in your child’s mouth or feel unsure about how to handle it, don’t wait. Book a quick visit with Kangaroo Smiles. We’ll examine your child’s teeth, explain what’s happening, and offer the right next steps.
Call 978-425-1496 or book an appointment online. We proudly serve families in Lowell, Methuen, and surrounding areas. Our offices are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with Saturday appointments available by request.