Understanding Shark Teeth in Kids: Causes and Solutions

Is your little one having SHARK TOOTH?

Don’t panic! It’s not as scary as it sounds. 

It’s an entirely normal phenomenon in about 10% of children between 4-14 years old.

You may be conscious when your child has grown more than one row of teeth. These additional teeth can be bothersome, and dentists call them shark teeth for a reason. 

This dental occurrence is normal and affects many children.

You can visit Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics if you witness anything and consult with the best dentists.

Let’s investigate why it happens or when it’s time to visit the dentist. So, learn how to handle a shark tooth like a pro!

What are Shark Teeth?

Shark teeth are a term used to describe a condition when a child’s permanent teeth come in behind their baby teeth instead of replacing them.

This condition is named because sharks typically have multiple rows of teeth. When it happens in humans, it resembles a shark’s teeth arrangement.

While it may seem alarming, shark teeth are quite common in kids and generally not a cause for concern.

What Causes Shark Teeth in Kids?

Adult teeth emerge in kids after the roots of baby teeth are dissolved. Once the baby tooth falls out, the necessary space for the new adult tooth to grow in its place is created. 

However, in some cases, the adult tooth may begin to grow at a slight angle while the baby tooth is still firmly rooted in place. This can lead to a condition called “shark teeth,” where two rows of teeth appear in the mouth. 

While this is not uncommon, it can cause discomfort or irritation if the teeth are not properly aligned. In such cases, consulting with a dentist or orthodontist may be necessary to address the issue and ensure proper dental health.

What to Do if Your Child Has a Shark Tooth?

It’s common for parents to notice shark teeth in children. But worry not! Instead, you can do a few simple things to help your child before seeking professional help from a dentist.

If you’ve already tried these steps and noticed no improvement, it’s best to seek professional guidance from a dentist. They can evaluate your child’s shark teeth and recommend necessary precautions or procedures to ensure their dental health.

How Do Dentists Fix Shark Teeth in Kids?

Most of the time, the shark teeth go on their own without the need for outside interventions that might hinder the natural process. Your child’s dentists might offer some advice and treatments to try if the shark tooth does not go away on its own. These may consist of:

1- Recommend Some Sturdy Food 

To help remove the stubborn baby tooth from its roots, the dentist might advise your child to eat some substantial but nutritious food. Thus, the adult tooth can erupt and free up space, eventually fixing the shark tooth issue. 

2- Extraction 

If the baby tooth is too firmly attached to its roots to emerge independently, the dentist may advise a baby tooth extraction to make sufficient space for the adult tooth. 

3- Space Maintainer

The dentist may also suggest a space maintainer as a therapy. This dental gadget makes it possible to keep ample space in the mouth for adult teeth. A space maintainer is eventually a good alternative if the baby tooth extraction is the only option.

4- Braces

In cases where the adult tooth is severely misaligned, pediatric braces are an option to consider. Several types of dental braces are available.

Braces not only straighten the child’s shark tooth but also aid in avoiding pain and irritation.

Why is the Upper Shark Teeth more common than the lower shark teeth?  

Since most children have upper shark teeth than lower ones, you must wonder why.

Well, you shouldn’t be concerned if your child has lower or upper shark teeth because they are common. The reason is that upper front teeth are more likely to encounter adult teeth initially than the rest.  

How Long Does it Take for Shark Teeth to Move Forward?

Moving forward can last from a few weeks to several months. Shark teeth will typically move forward independently and push out baby teeth.

If the shark tooth does not erupt, your child might require dental work to fix the issue. Your child probably has shark teeth between their fifth or seventh birthday. 

Let’s Wrap Up! 

Children frequently get shark teeth, which normally go away on their own. 

However, you should see a dentist if your child has a painful experience eating or talking. 

Firstly, if your child has developed shark teeth, you and your child don’t need to panic, as it is a common condition. 

The dentist will take X-rays and examine the teeth to find a suitable treatment option. It depends on the child’s age and expected tooth fallout time. 

Your child can have a beautiful and healthy smile by having their shark teeth repaired with the right dental treatment.