HELP! MY CHILD HAS SHARK TEETH!
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you’ve ever peeked into your child’s mouth and spotted a second row of teeth popping up behind the baby ones, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the first to think, “Wait… is my child turning into a shark?!”
Don't worry—it’s actually super common, and we call it (yep, you guessed it) - shark teeth!
Here’s everything you need to know—and what to do when you spot those extra teeth.
Don't worry—it’s actually super common, and we call it (yep, you guessed it) - shark teeth!
Here’s everything you need to know—and what to do when you spot those extra teeth.
WHAT ARE SHARK TEETH, ANYWAY?
Shark teeth" is the nickname we give to a common situation where adult teeth start coming in before the baby teeth have fallen out.
Instead of pushing the baby tooth out like they normally do, the adult teeth sneak in behind them—resulting in two rows of teeth, kind of like a shark!
It usually happens around ages 5 to 7, especially with the lower front teeth. But it can happen with other teeth too.
Instead of pushing the baby tooth out like they normally do, the adult teeth sneak in behind them—resulting in two rows of teeth, kind of like a shark!
It usually happens around ages 5 to 7, especially with the lower front teeth. But it can happen with other teeth too.
IS IT SOMETHING TO WORRY ABOUT?
Usually, no! It’s more of a visual shock than a dental emergency.
But it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it—and let us know.
But it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it—and let us know.
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USUALLY NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT IF Your child’s baby tooth is wiggly. The baby tooth falls out on its own within a few weeks. Your child has no pain or discomfort. If it has been there for less than 6 months. |
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CALL US IF Your child has trouble chewing or complains of discomfort. The shark tooth has been there for more than 6 months. The shark tooth situation is happening with molars or in unusual spots. |
WHAT CAN I DO AT HOME?
In many cases, you can help that stubborn baby tooth along at home:
✅ Encourage lots of wiggling! A clean finger or their own tongue works great.
✅ Crunchy foods are your friend – apples and carrots can help loosen baby teeth naturally.
✅ Stay calm and reassuring – it looks odd, but it’s part of growing up.
If the baby tooth just won’t budge, we may recommend a quick and gentle extraction to give that adult tooth room to settle in properly.
✅ Encourage lots of wiggling! A clean finger or their own tongue works great.
✅ Crunchy foods are your friend – apples and carrots can help loosen baby teeth naturally.
✅ Stay calm and reassuring – it looks odd, but it’s part of growing up.
If the baby tooth just won’t budge, we may recommend a quick and gentle extraction to give that adult tooth room to settle in properly.
WILL MY KIDS TEETH BE CROOKED?
Great question! In most cases, once the baby tooth is out, the adult tooth will gradually move into the right spot.
Kids’ mouths are still growing, and there’s a lot of natural movement happening behind the scenes.
But we’ll keep an eye on things during regular checkups.
If spacing or alignment looks tricky, we’ll talk about next steps—sometimes that’s orthodontics down the road, sometimes it’s just a “wait and see” situation.
Kids’ mouths are still growing, and there’s a lot of natural movement happening behind the scenes.
But we’ll keep an eye on things during regular checkups.
If spacing or alignment looks tricky, we’ll talk about next steps—sometimes that’s orthodontics down the road, sometimes it’s just a “wait and see” situation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Shark teeth might look wild, but they’re usually just a totally normal part of growing up.
If you're ever unsure, come see us—we’ll take a look, reassure your child, and guide you through what (if anything!) needs to be done.
We love helping little smiles grow up healthy and strong ❤️
If you're ever unsure, come see us—we’ll take a look, reassure your child, and guide you through what (if anything!) needs to be done.
We love helping little smiles grow up healthy and strong ❤️
Got questions or a shark tooth situation at home?
Give us a call om 3378 0033 or book a quick checkup—we're here to help!
Give us a call om 3378 0033 or book a quick checkup—we're here to help!
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