What Are Shark Teeth? Should I Be Worried?

Have you ever heard the term “shark teeth?” If you have, you likely envision those sharp, pointy chompers found on a Great White or Bull shark. However, this particular phrase means something different in the world of pediatric dentistry. If you find yourself brushing your child’s teeth and suddenly discover a small tooth erupting behind their baby teeth, you might feel it is cause for concern. But before you start scrambling to notify your child’s pediatric dentist, read on to learn more about this phenomenon and why you may have nothing to be worried about at all.

What Are “Shark Teeth?”

Shark teeth are those permanent pearly whites that push through the soft oral tissues and create what appears to be a second row of teeth. Much more common than you’d imagine, many parents can become frightened when seeing that their child is growing additional teeth. However, the reality is that as your little one grows older, their baby or primary teeth will eventually fall out (typically starting between the ages of 5 and 7).

As the tooth loosens and falls out, the adult tooth is primed and ready to start the ascent and ultimately, take its place. However, if your child’s baby teeth have yet to fall out, the adult ones can begin to erupt behind them, thus, creating “shark teeth.”

Should I Be Concerned as a Parent?

It’s natural to be concerned, especially when you see something out of the ordinary like two rows of teeth in kids. But remember, your child’s dentist has seen it all, and this type of situation is nothing to panic over. If your little one does not seem to be bothered by these additional teeth, do not fret too much. You can also feel more at ease if their baby teeth do appear loose but have yet to fall out.

When Should I Call a Pediatric Dentist?

The most important rule of thumb when taking care of your child’s smile is to remember to always call your pediatric dentist when you are concerned. There’s no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed by something that experts see all the time. If it looks unusual to you, that’s okay! It’s best to notify someone and get proper clarification than assume it’s nothing and discover your child is experiencing a serious problem.

When it comes to shark teeth, it’s best to call your child’s pediatric dentist and schedule an appointment if:

• They are not at the appropriate age to begin losing baby teeth.
• Their baby teeth do not appear to be loose at all, at which time it can be helpful to seek assistance from a professional.
• You are noticing shark teeth forming behind your child’s molars. If they are the appropriate age, you may need to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to minimize the potential for overcrowding.
• Your child complains of discomfort or pain as a result of their “shark teeth.”

Although the term might sound “scary,” you and your child should not be concerned if a second row of teeth appears. While it might look funny for a while, pretty soon their baby teeth will fall out and these adult ones will move safely into place.

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Rozas and her team want you to feel confident as you help your little maintain good oral health, so if you see something unfamiliar or become worried about additional teeth suddenly appearing, contact us at (972) 393-9779.