Shark Teeth? What to Do When Adult Teeth Come In Before Baby Teeth Fall Out

As a parent, it can be alarming to look into your child’s mouth and see a second row of teeth forming—like a little shark! This condition, commonly referred to as "shark teeth," is actually quite common in children. At Dr. Sugar's Kids Dentistry in Paradise Valley, AZ, we see it all the time and are here to guide you through what it means and what you should do next.

What Are Shark Teeth?

"Shark teeth" occur when permanent adult teeth begin to erupt before the baby teeth have fallen out. This can result in a visible second row of teeth, typically in the lower front of the mouth (though it can happen in other areas too). It’s most common around the ages of 5 to 7, when children are transitioning from baby teeth to their adult set.

Why Does It Happen?

There are a few common reasons why adult teeth might come in before the baby teeth fall out:

Lack of root resorption: Baby teeth usually loosen and fall out because their roots dissolve. Sometimes, this process doesn’t happen fast enough.

Crowding or lack of space: If the jaw is small or crowded, the adult tooth may not be able to push the baby tooth out from underneath and instead erupts behind it.

Natural variation: In some cases, it's just how your child’s body develops.

Is It a Cause for Concern?

Not necessarily. In many cases, the baby tooth will fall out naturally within a few weeks, especially if the adult tooth is already pushing through. However, it’s important to monitor the situation closely and consult your pediatric dentist if:

The baby tooth remains firmly in place for more than 2 months after the adult tooth erupts.

Your child is experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty eating.

The crowding appears to be affecting the alignment of nearby teeth.

At our Paradise Valley office, we often perform a simple evaluation to determine whether intervention is needed.

What Can Be Done?

In most cases, no treatment is necessary. Gentle wiggling of the baby tooth at home may help speed up the process. Encourage your child to move the tooth with their tongue or finger (no string and doorknob tricks, please).

If the baby tooth does not loosen naturally, a quick, simple extraction by a pediatric dentist may be recommended. This helps guide the adult tooth into its proper position and prevents future crowding or misalignment.

Will It Affect Orthodontic Needs Later?

Shark teeth alone don’t necessarily mean your child will need braces, but they can be an early sign of crowding, which may factor into future orthodontic care. Early evaluation can help manage this more effectively. At Dr. Sugar’s, we offer early orthodontic assessments to help plan for healthy, aligned smiles.

When to Visit Dr. Sugar's Kids Dentistry

If you notice shark teeth developing, schedule an evaluation with our Paradise Valley team. We’ll examine your child’s mouth, take necessary X-rays, and determine whether any action is needed. The good news is that shark teeth are usually harmless—and with proper guidance, your child’s smile will stay right on track.

Final Thoughts

While shark teeth might look alarming at first glance, they’re a normal part of many kids’ dental journeys. Knowing when to wait and when to act can make all the difference. If you’re unsure, we’re here to help with gentle, expert care right here in Paradise Valley, AZ.

Schedule your visit today at Dr. Sugar's Kids Dentistry and keep your child’s smile sailing smoothly.