What Are Shark Teeth in Kids?
Oregon City, OR
 Baby teeth are the first set of teeth children have before permanent teeth come in, and sometimes a new tooth erupts behind a baby tooth before the baby tooth falls out, creating a double row that looks a lot like a shark's smile. One evening your child opens wide to show off a wiggly tooth, and you notice something surprising. It is a common moment of worry for parents and caregivers of young children, and it is one of the most frequent questions we hear at Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry. The good news is that "shark teeth" are usually a normal part of growing up, and with a little guidance, most cases resolve on their own.
If you are wondering whether this is normal, what you can do at home, or when a dentist should take a closer look, this guide walks through what shark teeth are, why they happen, how they can affect your child's growing smile, when treatment may help, and how to keep baby teeth and permanent teeth healthy as they develop.
Understanding Shark Teeth and Permanent Teeth
"Shark teeth" is the everyday name for a situation dentists call lingual eruption. It happens when a permanent tooth comes in behind a baby tooth instead of directly underneath it. Because the baby tooth has not fallen out yet, your child temporarily has two rows of teeth in the same spot.
This most often occurs with the two bottom front teeth, also called the lower central incisors, around age six, when children lose the first of their primary teeth and the first permanent central incisors begin to arrive. It can also happen with the upper central incisors or, less often, with molars later in childhood. If your child has shark teeth, you are far from alone.
Baby teeth typically fall out in the same order they came in, though timing varies for most children.
These first baby teeth, also called milk teeth or deciduous teeth, often start with the first tooth at about six months, though age can vary widely, and most kids have all 20 baby teeth by age three.
Why Do Shark Teeth Happen with a Baby Tooth?
Under normal circumstances, a permanent tooth pushes up against the root of the baby tooth above it. That pressure causes the baby tooth's root to dissolve, the tooth loosens, and it eventually falls out to make room for the new tooth, while these early teeth help shape the mouth and jaw and guide later development. With shark teeth, that process does not go quite as planned.
Common reasons include:
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Root Resorption Delays - The baby tooth's root does not dissolve as quickly as expected, so the tooth stays firmly in place.
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Eruption Path - The permanent tooth develops slightly behind the baby tooth and takes the path of least resistance.
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Limited Space - A smaller jaw or crowding can leave too little room for permanent teeth to come in where they belong.
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Genetics - Tooth size, jaw size, and eruption patterns often run in families. |
Teeth also support chewing, a balanced diet, and clear speech during childhood. Premature tooth loss from tooth decay or injury can change spacing and the relationship between teeth, and may require treatment such as a space maintainer.
Shark teeth are not caused by anything a parent or child did wrong.
Are Shark Teeth Harmful?
Shark teeth are rarely an emergency, but they deserve attention. When a baby tooth hangs on too long, it can crowd the incoming tooth and make it harder to keep the area clean. Food and plaque tend to collect in the tight spaces between the two rows, which raises the risk of cavities and gum irritation, and cavities in baby teeth can progress quickly because their enamel is thinner.
The good news is that the tongue often helps guide things along. Once the baby tooth comes out, pressure from the tongue gradually pushes the permanent tooth forward into its proper position. This natural shift can take several weeks to a few months. At this stage, a loose tooth is perfectly normal and part of the process of keeping emerging teeth healthy.
What Parents Can Do at Home for a Loose Baby Tooth
If you notice shark teeth, there are several simple ways to support your child while nature takes its course. Before the first teeth erupt, wipe the gums with a damp cloth, then switch to a baby toothbrush once the first tooth appears to build good oral hygiene early in life.
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Encourage Wiggling - Let your child gently wiggle the loose baby tooth with a clean finger or their tongue to help loosen it.
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Offer Crunchy Foods - Apples, carrots, and similar foods can naturally help loosen a stubborn baby tooth.
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Brush Carefully - Remind your child to brush both rows of teeth twice a day, angling the brush to reach behind the baby tooth, and use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste from ages 0 to three.
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Floss Daily - Floss picks designed for kids make it easier to clean the crowded area.
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Avoid Forcing It - Never pull a baby tooth that is not loose, as this can damage the gums or cause pain. |
Parents should supervise oral hygiene until a child can brush well alone, usually around age five or six. Limit sugary snacks to help keep baby teeth healthy. Note how loose the baby tooth feels over time, as this helps during your child's visit. When teeth start coming in, mild teething discomfort, drooling, and irritability often last about three to eight days.
When to Schedule a Visit
While many shark teeth resolve on their own, there are times when a visit to our office is the best next step. In pediatric dentistry, a child's first dental visit should happen by the first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
We recommend calling us if:
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The Baby Tooth Is Not Loose - The permanent tooth has come in, but the baby tooth has not started to loosen after a few weeks.
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Two to Three Months Pass - The baby tooth is still in place well after the permanent tooth appeared.
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Your Child Feels Discomfort - Pain, swelling, or tender gums around the area can signal irritation or infection.
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Signs of Crowding Appear - The permanent tooth looks noticeably out of line or is pressing against other teeth. |
Our pediatric dentist will take a close look at your child's teeth and may use digital X-rays to see how the roots are developing beneath the gums. Digital X-rays provide clear images with less radiation than traditional film. If a baby has no teeth by 18 months, a dental evaluation is recommended.
How We Treat Shark Teeth in Pediatric Dentistry
If the baby tooth needs a little help, our dentist may recommend a simple extraction. This is a quick and common procedure for children, and we take every step to keep your child comfortable. We numb the area thoroughly, explain each step in kid-friendly language, and offer nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, to help anxious children feel calm and relaxed.
Once the baby tooth is removed, the permanent tooth usually moves forward on its own over the following weeks. This often happens because the baby tooth's root is no longer blocking eruption, so the permanent incisor can settle into place. We will check its progress during your child's next appointment. If the permanent tooth still seems out of position or crowding is a concern, we can talk with you about monitoring your child's bite as they grow, how adult teeth are coming in, and whether an orthodontic evaluation may be helpful down the road, including keeping an eye on how later permanent molars fit into the bite over time.
Keeping Growing Smiles Healthy
The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth is an exciting stage, and it is also a time when good habits matter most. Regular checkups every six months allow us to track how your child's teeth are coming in, catch concerns like shark teeth early, and help keep teeth healthy for life. Preventive care such as professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants helps shield those new molars and incisors from decay as your child grows, and sealants are especially useful on primary molars and other new chewing surfaces that are hard to clean.
We specialize in kids and want every child to leave feeling safe, confident, and proud of their smile.
Schedule Your Child's Visit Today
If your child has shark teeth or you have questions about how their smile is developing, we are here to help. Our friendly team will take the time to examine your child's teeth, answer your questions, and recommend the gentlest path forward. Call Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry today at (971) 459-2431 to schedule an appointment and give your child's growing smile the care it deserves. |
