{"id":13815,"date":"2026-07-18T02:52:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T02:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drmaggiedavis.com\/blog\/?p=13815"},"modified":"2026-07-18T02:52:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T02:52:29","slug":"youre-gonna-need-a-bigger-toothbrush-what-parents-should-know-about-shark-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drmaggiedavis.com\/blog\/2026\/07\/18\/youre-gonna-need-a-bigger-toothbrush-what-parents-should-know-about-shark-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"You\u2019re Gonna Need a Bigger Toothbrush: What Parents Should Know About Shark Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Seeing a second row of teeth appear in your child’s mouth can be surprising\u2014especially if those teeth seem to be growing behind the baby teeth. Before you panic, take a breath. This phenomenon is commonly known as \u201cshark teeth,\u201d and it’s often a normal part of childhood dental development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it can look unusual, a second row of teeth doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Here’s what parents should know and when it’s a good idea to contact a dentist.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are \u201cShark Teeth\u201d?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShark teeth\u201d is a nickname for a situation in which a child’s permanent tooth begins to grow in before the corresponding baby tooth has fallen out. Instead of replacing the baby tooth in the same spot, the permanent tooth may appear behind or, less commonly, in front of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nickname comes from the resemblance to sharks, which can have multiple rows of teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This situation most commonly occurs with the lower front teeth, but it can happen elsewhere in the mouth as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Does This Happen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As permanent teeth develop, they gradually move into position to replace baby teeth. Normally, the developing permanent tooth helps dissolve the root of the baby tooth. As the root disappears, the baby tooth becomes loose and eventually falls out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, the permanent tooth doesn’t line up directly beneath the baby tooth. It may begin emerging behind it instead. If the baby tooth remains in place, the permanent tooth can temporarily create the appearance of a second row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, the baby tooth eventually becomes loose and falls out on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should You Be Worried?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Usually, shark teeth are not an emergency. If your child has a permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth, the first step is to monitor the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encourage your child to gently wiggle the loose baby tooth if appropriate. As the baby tooth falls out, the permanent tooth may gradually move toward its proper position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, every child is different. If the baby tooth is not becoming loose, the permanent tooth is fully erupted, or you’re concerned about the position of the teeth, schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Call the Dentist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A dental evaluation may be recommended if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n