Reviewed by Dr. Chau McGovern
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Seeing an adult tooth erupt behind a baby tooth can be surprising for parents. Often called shark teeth, this stage of dental development is common and usually temporary, although there are times when a dental evaluation is recommended.
Table of Contents
Why Is an Adult Tooth Growing Behind a Baby Tooth?
“Shark teeth” occur when a permanent tooth begins erupting before the baby tooth in front of it has fallen out. This creates the appearance of two rows of teeth, which is where the nickname comes from.
In most cases, this happens because the root of the baby tooth has not completely dissolved by the time the adult tooth starts erupting, usually due to the location of the developing tooth bud.
This most often occurs behind the lower front baby teeth, although it can also develop behind the upper front teeth. The timing of tooth eruption varies from child to child, so differences in how baby teeth and permanent teeth transition are often a normal part of dental development.
Will the Baby Tooth Fall Out on Its Own?
In many cases, yes. As the permanent tooth erupts, it naturally breaks down the root of the baby tooth, allowing the tooth to loosen and eventually fall out.
This process may take several weeks to months. If the baby tooth has already become loose, gentle wiggling with clean hands or the tongue, along with normal chewing, may help it come out naturally.
Most children do not require treatment, and the permanent tooth often continues moving into a more typical position after the baby tooth is lost. The permanent teeth move due to the natural forces of the tongue while chewing and talking.
When Should Shark Teeth Be Evaluated?
Although this is often a normal stage of dental development, your child should be evaluated if:
- Much of the permanent tooth is visible behind the baby tooth, but the baby tooth remains firmly in place
- Your child has pain, swelling, or difficulty biting
- There are concerns about dental crowding or the position of the erupting tooth
If the baby tooth is preventing the permanent tooth from erupting properly, a tooth extraction may be recommended. Many children, however, only require monitoring until the baby tooth falls out naturally.
Dental Hygiene During Tooth Eruption
While this stage of tooth eruption is usually temporary, keeping the area clean is especially important. When a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth, small spaces between the teeth can trap food and plaque more easily, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
Encourage your child to brush carefully around both the baby tooth and the permanent tooth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If there is enough space, floss gently between the teeth to remove plaque and food particles that a toothbrush cannot reach. Younger children may need help brushing and flossing until they have the coordination to clean the area thoroughly.
Good oral hygiene helps keep the teeth and gums healthy while the baby tooth loosens and the permanent tooth continues moving into position. Regular dental exams also allow your pediatric dentist to monitor tooth eruption and determine whether the baby tooth is likely to fall out on its own or should be removed.
Personalized Care for Your Child’s Growing Smile
Regular dental exams allow changes in tooth eruption to be identified early. At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Joanna Theodorou and Dr. Chau McGovern, monitor how baby teeth and adult teeth develop, providing individualized recommendations based on each child’s needs.
Our practice emphasizes conservative and gentle care, unrushed appointments, and a comfortable environment where children can build positive experiences while maintaining healthy oral health.
Schedule a Dental Exam in Southwest Ranches, FL
To book a dental exam at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212 or visit us at 15761 Sheridan St Suite A, Southwest Ranches, FL 33331.
FAQs
At what age do shark teeth usually occur?
Shark teeth most commonly occur between ages 5 and 7, when the lower permanent front teeth begin replacing the baby teeth. They can also occur later as other permanent teeth erupt.
Can shark teeth happen more than once?
Yes. Shark teeth can occur more than once as different permanent teeth erupt. They are most common with the lower front teeth but may also occur in other areas of the mouth during normal dental development.
Can shark teeth affect braces in the future?
Not usually. In many children, the permanent tooth moves into a more typical position after the baby tooth falls out. However, persistent dental crowding or alignment concerns may increase the likelihood of orthodontic treatment later in childhood.
