Why Does My Child Have Shark Teeth

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In the Know for You to Know

It’s new tooth time again, and this time your child is getting their first adult tooth.

I'm 5 and I have Shark Teeth
I’m 5 and I have Shark Teeth

You’re thinking okay, baby tooth gets loose, baby tooth falls out, the tooth fairy is coming and what is it going to cost me?

Then you look in your child’s mouth and the baby tooth is still there and now the adult tooth is coming in behind it. Now you’re thinking, there’s 2 rows of teeth, that’s not supposed to happen, what’s going on? and what do I do?

The FYI On How Baby Teeth Fall Out

Around the time your child is 5 to 7 years old their bottom and top front adult teeth (aka forever teeth) start to come into their mouths.

Baby teeth start to become loose when the adult teeth push up from under the gums and naturally melts away the baby tooth’s root. Then the adult tooth grows into that same place.

Sometimes the adult tooth isn’t growing directly under the baby tooth, it’s growing a little further back behind the baby tooth. When this happens the baby tooth doesn’t fall out and the adult tooth grows in behind it.

When this happens, these 2 rows of teeth are fondly called Shark Teeth.

Why? Sharks have 2 rows of teeth.

Should You Be Worried?

The long and short answer is No.

This is relatively common even though it looks frightening.

That Adult Tooth Looks Really Big

Yes it does and they’re supposed to look that way.

The front adult teeth are about 2x’s the size of baby teeth. That’s why sometimes they don’t fit in the same spot as baby teeth.

What To Do About Shark Teeth

If the baby tooth is even a little bit loose encourage your child to wiggle it and loosen it more.

Most times the baby tooth will eventually fall out on its own, and the permanent tooth will slowly move into place. It may or may not be in the perfect position.

Remember, your child is growing and so are their jaws, as their jaws grow there is room for more teeth.

If the baby tooth isn’t loose it may be time to visit the pediatric dentist.

Showing Off My Shark Teeth
Showing Off My Shark Teeth

As a parent, it’s natural to be worried when you see those 2 rows of teeth in your child’s mouth. Knowing that it’s common will help you rest a lot easier.

What’s your Shark Tooth story? Did you have Shark Teeth when you were a child? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

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Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.