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As children grow, their smile undergoes many changes. One unexpected and often concerning development is the appearance of “shark teeth”—a condition where a second row of teeth emerges. This phenomenon can be unsettling for parents, but it is relatively common during the transition from baby to adult teeth.
Understanding The Term Shark Teeth Are
Shark teeth is a non-medical term for a situation in which adult teeth begin to erupt while the baby teeth have not yet fallen out. This creates a noticeable second row of teeth, most commonly seen in the lower front area of the mouth.
The term originates from the appearance, which resembles the rows of teeth seen in actual sharks. Shark teeth usually occur in children between the ages of five and seven, when their permanent teeth begin to replace baby teeth.
What Causes Shark Teeth in Children
Shark teeth occur when the incoming adult teeth fail to erupt directly beneath the baby teeth. Usually, this pressure from underneath stimulates the roots of the baby teeth to dissolve, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out.
When adult teeth erupt at an angle or position that does not interact with the baby tooth roots, the baby teeth may stay firmly in place while the adult teeth push through in a separate row. This can happen due to a lack of space in the child’s mouth, preventing the adult teeth from growing correctly. It may also be caused by delayed shedding of baby teeth, irregular eruption patterns of the adult teeth, or a genetic predisposition to misaligned eruption.
Key Points of Shark Teeth Causes for Kids:
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Lack of space in the jaw for the incoming permanent teeth.
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Delayed loss or stubborn retention of baby teeth.
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Genetic predisposition to abnormal tooth eruption patterns.
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Early or irregular eruption timing of permanent teeth.
Why Removal of Shark Teeth May Be Necessary
In many cases, baby teeth with adult teeth growing behind them will naturally fall out after a few weeks. However, if the baby tooth does not become loose or remains in place for an extended period, it may require removal. Leaving the situation untreated can prevent the adult teeth from aligning properly in the dental arch, leading to more complicated issues later.
A dentist may recommend the extraction of the retained baby teeth if they show no signs of mobility, if the adult teeth erupt at an abnormal angle, or if there is clear evidence of crowding. Prompt removal can help guide the adult teeth into their proper position and support healthier jaw development and function.
Can Shark Teeth Be Left Untreated?
In some cases, shark teeth resolve without intervention, especially if the baby teeth become loose naturally and fall out within a reasonable time. However, leaving them untreated for too long may lead to several dental problems.
The adult teeth may become crowded or misaligned, creating spacing and bite alignment complications.
Food particles and bacteria can accumulate between the two rows of teeth, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and decay.
The extra teeth can also make oral hygiene more difficult, potentially leading to gum inflammation and discomfort.
When the baby teeth do not fall out and the adult teeth are forced to erupt in a compromised position, it can result in long-term orthodontic issues that require more complex correction later in adolescence.
Potential Problems Associated with Shark Teeth
If left unmanaged, shark teeth can lead to several complications. One of the most common issues is tooth crowding.
When there is insufficient space for adult teeth to emerge correctly, they may push other teeth out of alignment. This can create a crooked or crowded appearance, affecting aesthetics and function.
Another issue is malocclusion, where the upper and lower jaws do not align properly. This can interfere with biting, chewing, and speaking.
Shark teeth can also make it difficult for children to brush and floss properly, which increases the likelihood of cavities and gum disease.
In some cases, the condition may also affect a child’s speech development or cause self-consciousness about the appearance of their smile.
Dental Treatment Options for Shark Teeth
Treatment depends on the severity of the case, the child’s age, and whether the baby teeth show signs of loosening. A visit to the dentist is essential for an evaluation and to determine the best course of action. Standard treatment options include:
1) Monitoring
No intervention may be required if the baby tooth is already wiggling and the adult tooth is erupting in the correct position. Your dentist will monitor the progress to ensure the baby tooth falls out naturally and the adult tooth aligns properly.
2) Baby Tooth Extraction
If the baby tooth shows no signs of mobility and obstructs the adult tooth’s path, your dentist may recommend extracting the baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to move into place.
3) Orthodontic Evaluation
If shark teeth lead to significant misalignment or crowding, your child may benefit from an early orthodontic assessment. Orthodontic appliances or braces may be required to correct spacing issues and guide proper tooth positioning.
4) Space Maintainers
In some cases, if a baby tooth is lost too early and there’s concern about spacing, a space maintainer may be used to ensure that nearby teeth don’t shift into the area intended for the permanent tooth.
Should Parents Be Concerned About Shark Teeth?
While shark teeth may look alarming, they are relatively common during a child’s mixed dentition phase. They usually do not signal a serious problem, especially if addressed early. However, any signs of multiple rows of teeth, crowding, or a dentist should assess retained baby teeth. Early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent more serious dental or orthodontic problems in the future.
Parents do not need to panic if their child develops shark teeth, but they should not ignore the condition. A dental examination will help determine whether the condition will resolve independently or if treatment is required to support proper dental development.
Conclusion: Early Assessment Is Key
Shark teeth in children are usually part of the natural transition from baby to adult teeth. However, when baby teeth fail to fall out and adult teeth erupt behind or in front of them, it can lead to complications if not monitored. Leaving the condition untreated may result in long-term crowding, bite issues, and hygiene challenges.
The good news is that shark teeth can be easily managed with timely dental care.
At Amazing Smiles Dental, our experienced and compassionate team is here to support your child’s oral health through every stage of development. If your child has developed rows of teeth or if you have concerns about their dental eruption patterns, book a consultation today for a personalised assessment and peace of mind.
Amazing Smiles has dental clinics throughout South East Queensland, on the Gold Coast, Jimboomba, Bray Park, Wynnum, and Logan, to help manage your family’s oral health.
