Is one of your child’s teeth emerging before their baby one has fallen out? Don’t worry – this sometimes happens. This phenomenon, known as shark teeth, can seem scary, causing parents to wonder if they should schedule an emergency appointment with their child’s pediatric dentist. There are three things to keep in mind to determine the best answer. To learn what they are, read on!
Time
Although each child is unique, the adult teeth typically begin to make an appearance between the ages of five and seven. Around this time, their baby teeth should begin to wiggle, gradually becoming more and more loose. If one of your child’s teeth is being particularly stubborn and the adult tooth has made an appearance in the meantime, then schedule an appointment. Their pediatric dentist can try and help the tooth along and discuss the treatment options if it refuses to budge.
Place
If the shark teeth are occurring along your child’s molars, then there are crowding issues to consider. At this point, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. From there, they can examine their bite, assess their jaw alignment, and determine if braces are needed to provide your child with the healthy, happy smile they deserve.
Discomfort
When something “abnormal” happens, parents often find themselves panicking over what to do next. In the case of shark teeth, it’s important to ask yourself, “Am I more bothered than my kid about this situation?” If the answer is yes, then simply encourage them to wiggle that tooth loose and eat plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples. If your child is struggling with discomfort (beyond it just hurting a smidge when they wiggle it), then get in touch with their pediatric dentist.
Remember, shark teeth are completely normal; sometimes adult teeth come in before the baby teeth are out! Just keep an eye out for the above warning signs that something may be wrong. Should they surface, contact your child’s pediatric dentist right away.
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics wants your child to have a healthy and happy smile – that starts with their baby teeth! We’re here to help with everything from routine checkups to emergency dentistry, and we also make it a priority to educate families on what is and isn’t normal when it comes to oral health for kids. If you would like to learn more about shark teeth, you have a concern about your child’s smile, or you’d like to schedule an appointment, then get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (781) 767-7200.