New Tooth Behind Baby Tooth
Help, Shark Teeth!
Dear parents, don’t be surprised if you suddenly notice a permanent tooth behind your child’s stubborn baby tooth—this is a completely normal, though somewhat curious, chapter in the exciting adventure of your child’s dental development. But why does the permanent tooth sometimes appear while the baby tooth is still firmly anchored in the jaw? In the following, we will explore this phenomenon of „baby tooth still in place, but the new tooth is already coming.“
Welcome to the „Shark Tooth Discoverers“ Club
What Are Shark Teeth?
Shark teeth in children occur when permanent teeth grow behind the baby teeth. This results in two rows of teeth being present at the same time, similar to sharks, hence the name.
This phenomenon is common in children between 5 and 7 years old, as this is the age when the first phase of the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth takes place.
How Do Shark Teeth Develop?
Shark teeth develop when the new tooth grows directly behind or in front of the baby tooth without dissolving the root of the baby tooth and thus pushing it out.
This can be caused by differences in tooth development or a lack of space in the jaw. Most often, this phenomenon occurs with the front teeth.
In most cases, shark teeth are a normal part of dental development and not a cause for concern. The baby teeth often fall out on their own as the permanent teeth continue to grow.
Do Shark Teeth Need to Be Treated by a Dentist?
In most cases, treatment by a pediatric dentist is not necessary. Many children lose their baby teeth naturally without any dental intervention.
Shark Teeth Are Usually Not a Cause for Concern
Even if the new tooth is positioned further back, parents generally do not need to worry, as the natural pressure from the tongue and lip muscles usually pushes the tooth into its proper position.
Sometimes a „Magic Trick“ Is Needed for Shark Teeth
However, if the tooth has still not loosened after this waiting period, or if it involves an upper front tooth, our pediatric dentist team would intervene and remove the baby tooth using local anesthesia and a „magic trick“.
In rare cases, shark teeth can cause problems such as misalignment of the permanent teeth or difficulty biting. Therefore, it is important to monitor dental development through regular dental check-ups.
Schedule a Consultation About Shark Teeth
If you are unsure and would like advice on shark teeth, feel free to visit our pediatric dental practice in Munich Trudering for an individual consultation.
New Tooth Growing Behind Baby Tooth – Don’t Panic!
What Parents Should Pay Attention To:
Proper dental care and oral hygiene
to prevent cavities
Regular check-ups with the pediatric dentist to monitor development.
Soft foods can help naturally loosen the baby teeth.
Avoid forcibly pulling out baby teeth, as this can cause pain or infections.
Pediatric dentist Lachzahn - what our patients say:
