What Causes Adult Teeth to Come In Crooked?
If you have recently noticed a second row of teeth emerging behind your child’s baby teeth, you are not alone. This surprisingly common occurrence sends many parents straight to the internet in a panic, and honestly, the concern makes total sense. A double row of teeth can look alarming. The good news is that in most cases, it is a normal part of childhood dental development, and it is very manageable with the right care.
At Hanover Pediatric Dentistry in Hanover, PA, Dr. Jaepil Kim sees this situation regularly and helps families understand exactly what is happening and what, if anything, needs to be done about it.
Why Do Permanent Teeth Come In Behind Baby Teeth?
This phenomenon is sometimes called “shark teeth,” because sharks famously grow multiple rows of teeth at once. In children, it happens when a permanent tooth starts to erupt before the baby tooth above it has fallen out. Normally, the incoming permanent tooth pushes against the root of the baby tooth, causing the root to dissolve and the baby tooth to loosen and fall out on its own. When that process does not happen fast enough, the permanent tooth finds another path and begins growing in behind the baby tooth instead.
It most commonly affects the lower front teeth and tends to happen between ages five and seven, though it can also occur in the upper arch or during the preteen years when the six-year molars and twelve-year molars are coming in.
What Causes the Timing to Be Off?
There is no single cause, but a few factors are commonly involved:
- Root resorption delays: Sometimes the baby tooth root simply does not dissolve as quickly as it should.
- Crowding: If there is not enough space in the jaw for incoming teeth, permanent teeth may shift their eruption path.
- Genetics: If a parent experienced shark teeth as a child, their child is more likely to as well.
- Retained baby teeth: Occasionally, a baby tooth holds on longer than expected due to root fusion or other structural reasons.
Is This a Dental Emergency?
In most cases, no. If the baby tooth is already a little wiggly, there is a good chance it will come out on its own within a few weeks. Encourage your child to wiggle the baby tooth with their tongue throughout the day. Many kids lose the tooth naturally, and once it is gone, the permanent tooth gradually shifts forward into its correct position as the tongue and cheek muscles guide it into place.
That said, there are situations where a visit to a pediatric dentist is the right call sooner rather than later.
When Should You Call the Dentist?
Situation | What It Means | What to Do |
Baby tooth is very loose | Natural process is working | Monitor at home for a few weeks |
Baby tooth is firm with no wiggle | Root may not be resorbing | Schedule an evaluation |
Child is in pain or difficulty eating | May need prompt attention | Call the office |
Multiple teeth affected at once | Could indicate crowding | Get a professional assessment |
Permanent tooth is far out of alignment | May need guidance | Ask about early intervention options |
How Does Dr. Kim Treat Shark Teeth?
If the baby tooth is not loosening on its own, Dr. Kim may recommend a simple extraction. This is a quick, straightforward procedure, and with the gentle techniques used at Hanover Pediatric Dentistry, including the Wand computerized anesthesia system, most children tolerate it easily and are back to normal the same day.
After the baby tooth is removed, the permanent tooth typically moves into proper alignment on its own over the following weeks and months. In some cases, Dr. Kim may monitor the situation over time to make sure spacing and alignment are developing well.
Does My Child Need Braces Because of This?
Not necessarily. Many children who experience shark teeth go on to develop perfectly aligned smiles without any orthodontic treatment. However, if crowding is present or the permanent teeth are not tracking into good position after the baby teeth are removed, Dr. Kim will discuss next steps with you early so you have plenty of time to plan.
Ready to Get Your Child’s Smile on the Right Track?
Seeing a double row of teeth in your child’s mouth can feel unsettling, but it is one of the most common things pediatric dentists treat. Dr. Kim and the team at Hanover Pediatric Dentistry are here to walk you through every step, answer your questions, and make sure your child feels completely comfortable throughout the process.
Call us or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Kim is proud to serve families throughout Hanover, Gettysburg, York, New Oxford, and the surrounding communities of south central Pennsylvania.
