“Shark teeth”: why has my child got a double row of teeth?
It happens when the permanent tooth appears without the baby tooth having fallen out first. “Shark teeth”.
Put like that, in such a common way, it can scare those parents who see how their children, from the age of 6, have a double row of teeth, usually in the lower incisors.
This happens when the permanent teeth appear behind the baby teeth without them having fallen out first.
The questions that come to mind are: Are “shark teeth” a serious problem?
Should I do something?
Let’s get to the answers!
Permanent teeth begin to appear around the age of 6.
During this process, they progressively push the baby teeth, which gradually lose their roots and gain mobility until they end up falling out and leaving all the space available for the permanent teeth.
Although this is the usual process, sometimes both dentitions can coexist, giving rise to “shark teeth”.
Why do they appear?
This phenomenon can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as in the following situations: There is no space.
When there is not enough space in the jaws and the permanent teeth come out where they find holes.
A deviation.
When the direction of exit of the permanent tooth is different from that of the milk tooth, which does not cause it to lose its root (resorption).
Question of genetics.
For example, due to the presence of a supernumerary tooth, that is, an extra tooth that appears in the maxilla and for which there is no space.
This coexistence of temporary and permanent dentition is more frequent in the lower incisors, although it can also be found in other teeth.
Should I be worried?
Although parents tend to be alarmed by these types of problems, in this case we can breathe easy… at least in principle.
Generally, “shark teeth” tend to disappear on their own: the permanent tooth will partially reabsorb the root of the baby tooth, which will eventually fall out.
However, the baby tooth may resist leaving its position and end up causing alterations in the teeth, such as malposition.
Therefore, the most advisable thing is to consult our pediatric dentist when we detect the presence of a second row tooth.
Whether it is necessary to extract the tooth or if it falls out on its own, once the permanent tooth has space, it will move by itself – and with the help of the tongue – to the correct position.