When it comes to children, their smiles are enough to light up the room for their parents. So it’s only natural that when babies begin teething, parents turn it into a fun little competition amongst themselves. Be it milk teeth or permanent, the wait is neverending. But what if your child starts growing double rows of teeth? This may be a cause for concern for some. However, it isn’t all that surprising. It’s a phenomenon known as Shark Teeth. Although, unlike actual sharks, these teeth aren’t pointy, nor are they related to the predator fishes. So, how does one fix shark teeth in a child, and should you be worried? — To find out, continue reading.
What Are Shark Teeth in Children?
The general consensus is that you only have two rows of teeth; the upper and lower part of your mouth. However, that isn’t exactly true. When kids start teething, parents expect to see their baby teeth pop up first before gradually getting replaced by adult teeth.
Although sometimes, things don’t turn out the way you expect them to. Thus, rather than the adult teeth developing after the milk teeth, they erupt prematurely, right on the gum line. This usually happens if the roots of a tooth don’t dissolve correctly or in time. Thus, collectively, the additional row of adult teeth is known as shark teeth.
When Do Shark Teeth in Kids Develop?
Shark teeth typically develop in two separate phases. The first is when the child is six years old, and their lower front teeth are just starting to develop. Whereas the second phase is by the time their molars start to grow in. This is usually when the child is around 11 to 12 years old.
How To Fix Shark Teeth in a Child?
It can be scary to hear that your child is developing shark teeth. But despite the scary name, it isn’t something to worry about. The term “shark teeth” is derived from sharks themselves since they have two rows of teeth. Although, that doesn’t mean your child is about to turn into Jaws anytime soon.
Despite the dangerous-sounding name, shark teeth don’t require any fixing. They tend to go away on their own. In fact, you can monitor the change yourself.
Moreover, the moment you take notice of an extra tooth poking out from behind your child’s baby tooth, give it a little wiggle. This will help determine if the milk tooth is about to fall off or not. If it is, the shark tooth will move in its place and develop in the correct order. However, if the baby tooth does not move and the adult tooth continues to grow underneath, it might be time to refer to a pediatric dentist for an in-depth evaluation.
Final Takeaway
All in all, you don’t have to fix shark teeth in kids. They resolve on their own, and by adulthood, their teeth are back to normal. But just to be safe, a dental checkup can help you and your child be on the same pace. For more information, feel free to contact Texas Premier Dental at (281) 206-0100. You can also drop by our clinic at 13203 Fry Rd Ste 500, Cypress, TX 77433, United States.