Tooth Growing Behind Baby Tooth: What Parents Should Know

Many parents become concerned when they notice a tooth growing behind a baby tooth, especially if the baby tooth has not yet fallen out. This situation is fairly common during childhood and is often referred to as “shark teeth” because the child briefly appears to have two rows of teeth. Although the appearance can seem unusual at first, it is usually part of the natural process of permanent tooth eruption.

Permanent teeth develop beneath the baby teeth and gradually move upward as they prepare to emerge. Normally, the pressure from the erupting permanent tooth causes the baby tooth to loosen and fall out. However, in some situations the permanent tooth begins emerging slightly behind the baby tooth before the baby tooth becomes loose enough to fall out.

Why Permanent Teeth Sometimes Grow Behind Baby Teeth

A permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth often occurs when the baby tooth roots do not dissolve quickly enough during the eruption process. As the permanent tooth pushes upward, it may follow a slightly different path and emerge behind the existing baby tooth.

Because the tongue frequently presses against the teeth during speaking and eating, this pressure often helps loosen the baby tooth over time. As a result, the baby tooth eventually falls out and the permanent tooth gradually shifts forward into its correct position.

Parents may also notice what appears to be a double row of teeth in a child during this stage. While this appearance may seem alarming at first, it often resolves naturally once the baby tooth becomes loose.

When to See a Dentist

Although a tooth growing behind baby tooth often resolves naturally, parents should consider contacting a dentist if the baby tooth remains firmly in place or if the child experiences discomfort while chewing.

A dental evaluation can help determine whether the tooth will likely loosen naturally or whether a minor procedure may be helpful. If the baby tooth requires removal, dentists experienced in emergency dentistry can safely address the concern while protecting surrounding teeth.

Parents who want additional guidance about children’s dental development can also learn more about pediatric dental care at Kidco Dental. Monitoring tooth eruption allows dentists to ensure that permanent teeth continue developing in healthy alignment.

FAQs

What Are Shark Teeth in Kids?

The term shark teeth in kids is commonly used to describe this temporary double row of teeth. The name comes from the way shark teeth grow in multiple rows, although in children this phase is usually short lived.

Most cases occur when the lower front permanent teeth erupt behind the baby teeth. Because these teeth are some of the first permanent teeth to appear, the jaw is still adjusting to the change in spacing and alignment.

While many shark teeth situations resolve without intervention, dentists may monitor the area to ensure the permanent teeth continue moving into proper alignment as the baby teeth loosen.

When Should a Baby Tooth Be Pulled?

Parents sometimes ask when to pull baby tooth if the permanent tooth has already appeared behind it. In many cases, dentists recommend waiting to see if the baby tooth becomes loose naturally over the following weeks.

Encouraging gentle wiggling of the loose tooth with clean hands or the tongue can sometimes help speed up the process. However, if the baby tooth remains firmly in place while the permanent tooth continues erupting behind it, a dental evaluation may be recommended.

In certain situations, a pediatric dentist may recommend removing the baby tooth to create space for the permanent tooth to move into the correct position.