{"id":14223,"date":"2026-09-01T14:52:44","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T14:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pediatricdentalcenters.com\/?p=14223"},"modified":"2026-09-01T14:53:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T14:53:52","slug":"shark-teeth-in-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pediatricdentalcenters.com\/es\/shark-teeth-in-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Permanent Teeth Growing Behind Baby Teeth? What Parents Should Know About \u201cShark Teeth\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your child smiles, and suddenly you notice something unexpected: a second row of teeth. A permanent tooth is coming in behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out yet.<\/p>\n

Parents often call this appearance \u201cshark teeth\u201d<\/strong> because sharks naturally develop multiple rows of teeth. In children, however, this usually represents a normal variation during the transition from primary to permanent teeth.<\/p>\n

Although the appearance can be surprising, shark teeth are relatively common and often resolve without extensive dental treatment.<\/p>\n

Why Do Permanent Teeth Sometimes Grow Behind Baby Teeth?<\/h2>\n

Normally, as a permanent tooth develops and begins to erupt, it helps dissolve the root of the primary tooth above it. The baby tooth becomes increasingly loose and eventually falls out, creating room for the permanent tooth.<\/p>\n

Sometimes the permanent tooth does not erupt directly underneath the baby tooth. Instead, it may erupt slightly behind it, particularly with the lower front teeth. Because it is not directly beneath the primary tooth, the root of the baby tooth may not dissolve as quickly.<\/p>\n

The result is a permanent tooth appearing behind a baby tooth that is still firmly\u2014or partially\u2014attached.<\/p>\n

Children generally enter the mixed-dentition stage around age six, when both primary and permanent teeth are present. This stage typically continues into the early teenage years.<\/p>\n

Are Shark Teeth an Emergency?<\/h2>\n

Usually, no.<\/p>\n

If the baby tooth is already loose, the permanent tooth may continue moving into a better position after the baby tooth falls out. The tongue also applies gentle pressure to the lower permanent incisors, which may help guide them forward.<\/p>\n

Parents should encourage normal brushing and allow the child to gently wiggle a loose baby tooth.<\/p>\n

However, do not forcefully pull a tooth that is not ready to come out<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The important question is not simply whether there are two rows of teeth. A pediatric dentist needs to consider how loose the primary tooth is, the position of the permanent tooth, the amount of available space, and the child’s overall dental development.<\/p>\n

When Should a Pediatric Dentist Check It?<\/h2>\n

Schedule an evaluation if:<\/p>\n