What to Do If Your Child Develops Shark Teeth

Seeing a new adult tooth come in behind a baby tooth can be surprising. This double-row look, often called “shark teeth,” is common and typically short-lived. With a basic understanding of why it happens and when to get professional help, you can make confident choices to keep your child’s smile healthy. If you’re wondering what to do if your child develops shark teeth, this guide covers what’s normal, when to watch, and when to call a dentist.

What Are Shark Teeth?

“Shark teeth” refers to a situation where a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby (primary) tooth instead of directly under it. Because the baby tooth doesn’t loosen and fall out first, a temporary second row appears, most often in the lower front teeth (incisors). You may notice mild crowding or a change in how the teeth line up, and some children have trouble biting certain foods, though pain is uncommon.

The nickname comes from the layered rows of teeth seen in sharks, but in children this is simply a variation in normal development. While the look can be dramatic, the condition itself isn’t dangerous and often resolves once the baby tooth naturally loosens. If you’re unsure what to do if you child develops shark teeth, start by observing and keeping up with routine dental care.

Why Do Shark Teeth Develop?

Typically, baby teeth guide adult teeth into position as their roots dissolve and the baby teeth loosen and fall out. Sometimes that timing is off. If the baby tooth’s root doesn’t resorb quickly enough, or if the adult tooth follows a slightly different path, the permanent tooth can emerge behind the baby tooth rather than directly underneath it.

Several factors can contribute to this pattern:

• Limited space in the jaw, leading the adult tooth to find an alternate path.
• The angle of eruption of the permanent tooth.
• Delayed resorption of the baby tooth’s roots.
• Natural timing differences between loss of baby teeth and eruption of adult teeth.

Genetics play a role as well. Traits such as jaw size, tooth size, and the sequence of eruption tend to run in families. If parents experienced delayed baby tooth loss or crowding, their children may be more likely to show a similar pattern.

What You Can Do at Home

In many cases, the baby tooth will gradually loosen and fall out on its own. You can support this process by encouraging your child to gently wiggle the baby tooth with clean fingers or their tongue if it’s already loose. Offer foods that require light chewing, like apples or carrots, if your child can bite comfortably, as normal chewing can help the tooth loosen. Keep oral hygiene on track with twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing to prevent plaque buildup around crowded areas.

If you’re deciding what to do if you child develops shark teeth, focus on comfort, cleanliness, and observation. Avoid forcing a tooth that isn’t loose, and let normal chewing help it along.

When to Seek Dental Advice

Although most shark teeth resolve without intervention, some situations warrant a professional evaluation. Call your dentist if:

• The baby tooth remains firmly in place for more than a few months after the adult tooth appears.
• Your child has pain, difficulty biting, or irritation of the gums or tongue.
• You notice significant crowding or shifting of adjacent teeth.
• Multiple teeth show a double row, not just one or two.

At the visit, the dentist will check your child’s bite, assess space in the jaw, and determine whether the baby tooth is likely to come out on its own. A simple dental X-ray may be taken to see the position of the developing teeth. If needed, they may recommend removing the baby tooth to clear the path for the permanent tooth and reduce crowding or alignment issues.

The American Dental Association advises establishing dental care by your child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Ongoing check-ups, typically every six months, help monitor development and catch spacing or eruption concerns early.

What to Expect After Treatment

If a baby tooth is removed, the permanent tooth usually moves forward over time into the correct position. Your dentist may suggest follow-up visits to track alignment and spacing. In some cases, an orthodontic evaluation helps determine whether guidance or future treatment could improve positioning as more adult teeth come in.

Key Takeaways

• Shark teeth are a common, usually temporary double-row appearance when adult teeth erupt behind baby teeth.
• Most cases resolve naturally once the baby tooth loosens and falls out.
• Encourage gentle wiggling of loose baby teeth and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
• See a dentist if the baby tooth stays firm for months, there’s pain or crowding, or several teeth are affected.
• Regular dental check-ups help ensure healthy eruption and alignment as your child’s smile develops.
• If you’re wondering what to do if you child develops shark teeth, start with observation at home and contact a dentist if concerns persist.