Does Your Child Have a Double Row of Teeth? Here’s What to Do

Seeing a double row of teeth in your child’s mouth—often called “shark teeth”—can be surprising, but don’t worry! This common dental situation happens when adult teeth start coming in before baby teeth fall out, creating two rows of teeth. At JustBabyTeeth Pediatric Dentistry, we see this all the time, especially in children ages 5-7. Read on to learn why it happens, when to be concerned, and what you should do to help your child’s smile grow beautifully.

What Causes a Double Row of Teeth in Kids?

Typically, when adult teeth come in, they dissolve the roots of baby teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out. But in some cases, a baby tooth hangs on too long, forcing the adult tooth to erupt behind it. This can happen due to:

• Delayed Baby Tooth Loss: If a baby tooth’s root doesn’t dissolve fully, it stays firm in place while the adult tooth emerges behind it.

• Ectopic Eruption: The adult tooth comes in at the wrong angle, missing the baby tooth’s root and failing to push it out.

• Crowding & Jaw Space Issues: If there’s not enough room in the mouth, the new tooth might struggle to come in where it belongs.

• Genetics: If a parent had stubborn baby teeth as a child, their kids might experience the same.

Should Parents Be Worried About Shark Teeth?

Most of the time, shark teeth fix themselves when the baby tooth falls out. However, in some cases, it can cause issues like:

• Crowding: Two teeth trying to fit into one space can push other teeth out of alignment.

• Bite Problems: If an upper front tooth erupts behind baby teeth, it can create a crossbite.

• Difficulty Cleaning: Food and plaque can get trapped between the two rows, increasing the risk of cavities.

• Discomfort or Pain: A double row of teeth can sometimes put pressure on the gums and surrounding teeth.

If your child has a shark tooth that isn’t getting loose after two months, or if their new tooth is fully in while the baby tooth is still in place, visit Dr. Jimmy at JustBabyTeeth for a quick evaluation!

Treatment for a Double Row of Teeth

At JustBabyTeeth Pediatric Dentistry, we take a gentle, kid-friendly approach to treating shark teeth. Here’s what to expect:

1. Watch and Wait (Most Common Approach)

If the baby tooth is already a little loose, we recommend waiting a few weeks while encouraging your child to gently wiggle it daily. Eating crunchy foods like apples and carrots can also help speed up the process.

2. Professional Baby Tooth Extraction

If the baby tooth isn’t loosening on its own, we may recommend a quick and painless tooth extraction. This ensures that the permanent tooth can move into its correct position without causing crowding.

3. Monitoring & Orthodontic Evaluation

If crowding or bite issues arise, we may recommend early orthodontic assessment to ensure proper alignment as your child’s teeth continue to grow.

How to Prevent Future Shark Teeth

While shark teeth can’t always be prevented, you can help ensure a smooth tooth transition with these tips:

• Encourage your child to wiggle loose baby teeth gently when they start to feel mobile.

• Schedule regular dental checkups at our Teaneck pediatric office to monitor tooth development.

• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent early loss or late retention of baby teeth.

• Protect teeth from trauma by having kids wear mouthguards during sports.

When to Call JustBabyTeeth

Contact us if:

✅ The baby tooth isn’t loose and the adult tooth is fully in.
✅ Your child is experiencing pain or difficulty chewing.
✅ The adult tooth is coming in at an angle or causing crowding.
✅ There are multiple double-row teeth appearing at once.

At JustBabyTeeth Pediatric Dentistry, we make the process easy and stress-free. We specialize in treating kids in a fun, relaxed environment, so your child’s experience is positive from start to finish.

📅 Book an Appointment Today! Call, text, or schedule online in just 2 minutes.

FAQs About Double Rows of Teeth

1. How common are shark teeth?

They’re very common! About 30% of kids experience a double row of teeth at some point, especially in the lower front teeth around age 6.

2. Will the adult tooth move into place on its own?

Yes, in most cases, once the baby tooth falls out, the adult tooth naturally shifts forward.

3. Does my child need braces if they have shark teeth?

Not necessarily! If the adult tooth aligns correctly after the baby tooth is gone, no further treatment is needed. However, if crowding occurs, an orthodontic evaluation may be recommended.

Final Thoughts

A double row of teeth in kids is a normal part of development, and in most cases, it resolves on its own. But if you have concerns, our team at JustBabyTeeth Pediatric Dentistry is here to help.

Let’s keep your child’s smile growing strong and healthy! 🎉

📅 Ready to schedule? Book online today or call us at (201-645-3123).