Shark teeth, also known as "shark tooth syndrome" or "lingually displaced incisors," refer to a condition in which a child develops two rows of teeth - the normal baby teeth and another set behind them. This gives their smile an appearance similar to that of a shark's mouth, hence the name. It is important to note that while shark teeth can occur with any permanent tooth, it is most commonly seen with the lower incisors.

Shark teeth typically appear around the age of five to seven years old when children start losing their baby teeth and their permanent ones begin to emerge. This can be an exciting but also confusing time for both parents and kids alike.

Common Concerns About Shark Teeth

As parents, it is natural to have concerns when you notice your child's teeth appearing in the wrong order. In the case of shark teeth, where the permanent teeth come in before the baby teeth fall out, there are a few common worries that may arise.

• One concern parents often have is whether shark teeth will cause any long-term dental issues for their children. Rest assured, this condition usually resolves itself without intervention. The baby tooth will typically become looser over time and eventually fall out on its own.
• Another worry parents may have is how their child's appearance might be affected by shark teeth. It's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace and has unique dental characteristics. While it can be concerning initially, most children adapt quickly and continue to smile confidently.
• Parents may also wonder if shark teeth could impact their child's speech or ability to eat properly. Fortunately, these concerns are generally unfounded. As long as there are no underlying orthodontic issues present, speech development and eating habits should not be significantly affected by shark teeth.
• In some cases, parents may question whether they need to extract the baby's tooth immediately after noticing the emergence of a permanent tooth behind it. However, unless there are signs of infection or discomfort, extraction is usually unnecessary since nature will take its course naturally.

Remember that each child's situation is unique; if you have specific concerns about your child's shark teeth or any other dental issue they may face along their journey toward adulthood, consult with our pediatric dentist, who can provide personalized advice tailored to your little one's needs.

When Do Shark Teeth Become a Dental Emergency?

Shark teeth in children can sometimes be a cause for concern, but not all cases require immediate dental attention. In most instances, shark teeth are considered normal and will resolve on their own as the permanent teeth come in. However, there are situations where shark teeth can become a dental emergency.

• One such circumstance is when the baby tooth becomes loose but does not fall out naturally, with the permanent tooth growing behind it. This can lead to crowding or misalignment of the new tooth. In these cases, it's important to seek prompt dental intervention to prevent further complications.
• Another instance where a shark tooth may warrant immediate attention is if there is significant pain or discomfort associated with the eruption of the new tooth. Persistent pain could indicate an infection or other underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a pediatric dentist.
• Additionally, if there is excessive bleeding or trauma associated with the eruption of shark teeth, it's crucial to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.

Remember that every child's dental journey is unique, and while shark teeth may seem unusual at first, they are usually nothing to be overly concerned about. With proper care and attention from both parents and dental professionals, your child's smile will continue to grow bright and beautiful.

If you're concerned about your child's dental health, contact Bend Children's Dentistry at 2190 NE Professional Court, Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701, or call (541) 907-1611.