The process of your child losing their baby teeth and having their adult ones emerge is an exciting milestone – it means they’re growing into their “big kid” smile! Ideally, their primary teeth will fall out before their permanent ones make an appearance. However, it doesn’t always happen that way. When this phenomenon occurs, children have two rows of teeth, often referred to as “shark teeth.” Keep reading to learn if this is common or something you should be concerned about.
So, Are Shark Teeth in Kids Normal?
As previously mentioned, the way it’s “supposed to” go is that your child’s adult teeth don’t emerge until their baby ones have fallen out. Since every child develops a little bit differently, that’s not always the sequence of events. So, it’s common for children to develop “shark teeth” for a short period of time. Of course, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye out for warning signs that there should be cause for concern.
3 Things to Ask Yourself to Determine If You Should Worry
To determine if you need to worry about your child’s shark teeth, ask yourself these three questions:
- Is my child between the ages of five and seven? This is the usual timeframe where kids begin to lose their primary teeth and their adult ones begin to erupt. If your child is outside this age group, then it’s a good idea to talk to their dentist.
- Is the baby tooth starting to wiggle? If the baby tooth is loosening, then it may simply need a bit more time to fall out.
- Am I more upset than my kid? If your child doesn’t seem to be in any kind of discomfort, then it’s likely not anything that necessitates an urgent appointment to their dentist’s office.
What Can Be Done About Shark Teeth?
Ultimately, the best course of action will depend on your child’s unique dental needs. For example, if they have shark teeth but their primary ones are beginning to wiggle, then encouraging your child to use their tongue or a clean finger to loosen them is probably the best course of action. If their baby tooth will absolutely not budge, however, then their dentist may recommend a different solution, like an extraction. Of course, any decision that is made will be one that you and their dental team decide together.
While shark teeth are common, there is still sometimes reason to worry. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize your child’s biannual checkups and keep their dentist in the loop between visits!
About the Practice
Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help children and parents with all sorts of dental needs, from routine checkups to emergency dentistry. Every step of the way, you can rely on our pediatric dentist and orthodontist to deliver the personalized, gentle, and effective care your child deserves. If you have a question about your child’s oral health or you’d simply like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (603) 880-5002.