If you’re the parent of a young child who hasn’t yet grown all their adult teeth, it might come as quite a shock if one day you notice your little one actually has sprouted two rows of teeth! It can be intimidating if you don’t know what this means or why it’s happening. How worried should you be? Do you need to contact your child’s dentist right away? Keep reading to learn more about this condition and what you can do.
Help! Why Does My Child Have Two Rows of Teeth?
Many parents feel shocked, surprised, or even anxious to find two rows of teeth in their child’s mouth. It happens when the new, permanent adult teeth that are growing in fail to dissolve the root of the older baby tooth like they normally would. With the root intact, the baby tooth remains in place. The new tooth is then forced to grow either in front of or behind the older tooth, resulting in 2 rows of teeth like a shark.
These “shark teeth” are usually seen in children between 5-7 years old and most frequently impact the bottom front teeth. That’s not to say it couldn’t happen to the top teeth, too, though. It has also been known to occur when the upper incisors or molars grow in. If your child is close to this age range and grows extra teeth, this is probably the culprit!
Are Shark Teeth In Kids Dangerous?
It’s hard to see our children go through something we don’t fully understand, and so we ask questions. Is it dangerous? Is it painful? Do we need to have teeth extracted?
All those questions can be easily answered in regard to shark teeth. Thankfully, this phenomenon is not usually harmful! In most cases, the baby teeth eventually loosen and fall out on their own so there’s no reason for parents to be concerned. You can help move things along by asking your little one to frequently wiggle their old teeth gently with their tongue.
When Do I Need To Call A Dentist?
There are instances when the baby teeth don’t eventually fall out as they should. Not only that, but some children might experience tooth sensitivity if there’s prolonged overcrowding. You should consider calling the dentist if:
- Your child expresses tooth pain or sensitivity, especially when eating.
- The situation doesn’t resolve itself after a period of 2-3 months
Though it may appear unnatural to see extra teeth growing in your child’s mouth, you can take comfort in knowing that shark teeth are usually nothing to worry about! If you still find you’re feeling anxious, though, then it can’t hurt to call your child’s dentist. They can talk with you about the specifics of your child’s condition so you can make informed decisions in regard to their dental care needs. Together you can ensure that your little one’s smile stays happy, healthy, and strong.
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele received her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry. She then completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City, MO. Her team takes pride in providing safe, gentle, and high-quality dental care so that their young patients stay relaxed and comfortable throughout their visit. If your child has developed shark teeth and you have concerns, you are welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (972) 315-3355.