Help! My kindergartener has teeth like a shark!
Have you ever had your child run up to you worried about a new tooth coming in behind his baby teeth? And after you take a peek you realize your child has a double row of teeth…like a shark! If so, you’re not alone. Yep, we call this condition “Shark Teeth” and it happens more often than you would think.
The occurrence of having a new permanent tooth erupt behind a baby tooth makes for a shocking discovery that can cause a lot of worry for a parent. Typically, the roots of the baby teeth are dissolved as the new adult teeth come into the mouth. This is why newly lost baby teeth are jagged on the bottom edges. However, Shark Teeth occur when the new adult teeth come in behind the baby teeth and don’t dissolve the baby roots.
The solution to Shark Teeth is usually simple: have your child work on wiggling out the stubborn baby teeth. If the baby tooth is loose, it is likely the child will be able to help the tooth fall out naturally. Once the baby tooth is gone, the adult tooth usually moves into the correct position over a few months.
However, if your child has Shark Teeth and their baby teeth aren’t loosening naturally, it is time to consult with your pediatric dentist. They can look at your child’s dentition and tell you whether or not the baby teeth need a little professional help.
Dr. Marty Killeen is the owner of Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry. Their office provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring and "child-friendly" environment. As a pediatric dentist, his 2 years of additional training after dental school has prepared him for the unique dental needs of each child he serves. They focus on preventive care to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Their office serves infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs in Lincoln, NE. You may contact Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry by calling 402-420-8020, checking them out on Facebook or their website.
