While it may not be here just yet, it’s always Shark Week if your child has shark teeth! No, not real ones, but this is the term used to describe when a second row of teeth begins to grow because the baby teeth have not yet fallen out before the permanent ones come in. If this sounds familiar, the good news is that it’s usually harmless, but you should keep a close eye on it. Here’s everything you need to know about this fascinating phenomenon!
Are Shark Teeth Dangerous?
While the word “shark” does imply a certain level of danger, the good news is that this sneaky second row of teeth is usually harmless. Though it can make keeping your child’s mouth clean a bit tricky at times, unless they are in any pain, there’s typically no need to intervene. Eventually, the baby teeth will fall out on their own and the permanent ones should not require any additional assistance. Still, there are a few complications that you may want to look out for, including:
- Pain or discomfort: The presence of extra teeth can cause pressure in the jaw, making your child’s mouth uncomfortable or even painful.
- Impaction: Sometimes, baby teeth can prevent the permanent teeth from erupting on schedule, leading to impaction and even orthodontic issues like crowding or misalignment.
- Increased risk of cavities / gum disease: Because of their positioning, it can be difficult to brush and floss around shark teeth, increasing their risk of developing oral health problems.
How Do You Treat Shark Teeth?
While in many cases no intervention is necessary when it comes to shark teeth, if they are causing problems, your dentist may recommend extracting them. In other situations, they may also recommend orthodontic intervention instead of or in addition to extraction, especially if they have caused the permanent teeth to become misaligned.
Caring for Shark Teeth
Until they fall out, be sure to pay extra attention to your child’s shark teeth. Be sure to brush and floss well between them and their replacements, so that no cavities or gum disease can develop. If your child mentions any discomfort, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric dentist for assistance!
Remember, though it is somewhat rare, shark teeth in children are usually nothing to worry about. If you notice them developing, reach out to your pediatric dentist for guidance, and you’ll keep those tiny “jaws” going strong!
About Our Practice
At Sheer Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Sage Yoo and Dr. Justin Chan are proud to protect the smiles of children from infants to teens and everyone in between! Whether your child has a unique dental issue like shark teeth, or an otherwise healthy smile, we offer a variety of oral health treatments to help keep their mouths in great shape for a lifetime! To schedule an appointment for shark teeth, please visit our website or call us today at 972-987-0787.
