It can be alarming to look in your child’s mouth and see two rows of teeth, with baby teeth crowded in front of permanent ones that are already pushing through. This condition, often called “shark teeth,” is fairly common and usually not cause for panic.
At Eastside Family Dentistry, we understand how concerning it can be to see unexpected changes in your child’s smile. That’s why we’re here to walk you through what shark teeth are, why they happen, and what steps to take next to ensure your child’s oral health remains on the right track.
What Are Shark Teeth in Kids?
“Shark teeth” is a nickname for when adult teeth begin to erupt behind baby teeth before the baby teeth have fallen out completely. This often leads to two visible rows of teeth, similar to what you might see in sharks.
While it might look a bit strange, this condition is typically harmless and also fairly common during the ages when children’s teeth begin transitioning. A few key things to know about shark teeth include:
- It most commonly happens between ages 5 to 7 during the loss of lower central incisors.
- The baby teeth haven’t loosened properly, leaving them in place while permanent teeth find new space behind them.
- It can also occur with upper front teeth or even molars in some cases.
While this may self-correct over time, it’s still important to have an experienced pediatric or general dentist evaluate the situation early.
Why Shark Teeth Happen and When You Should Be Concerned
The most common reason for shark teeth is that the permanent teeth did not dissolve the roots of the baby teeth as expected. Because of this, the baby teeth remain firmly in place, causing the adult teeth to erupt out of alignment.
In many cases, this resolves naturally, especially if the baby teeth become loose shortly after the adult tooth appears. However, intervention may be needed if:
- The baby tooth fails to loosen within two to three weeks of the adult tooth erupting.
- Your child experiences discomfort, pain while eating, or difficulty brushing.
- You notice crowding or misalignment of surrounding teeth.
Dr. Alexandra Cristescu and our team at Eastside Family Dentistry are well-equipped to assess whether your child’s condition requires observation, gentle extraction, or orthodontic guidance. Our patient-focused approach ensures every treatment decision supports your child’s long-term oral health and comfort.
What to Expect During a Dental Evaluation
Visiting your dentist for an evaluation is the best step if your child is showing signs of shark teeth. At Eastside Family Dentistry, our friendly and calming environment helps reduce anxiety while we provide in-depth education and personalized guidance for parents. During the visit, we typically:
- Examine the alignment and movement of both permanent and baby teeth.
- Take low-radiation digital X-rays for a clearer view of tooth development beneath the gums.
- Determine whether the baby tooth is likely to loosen naturally or if professional removal is needed.
- Discuss growth patterns and any signs that could require future orthodontic care.
Our all-in-one dental care model means you won’t need to seek referrals. We can handle early evaluations, extractions, and ongoing pediatric dental care all under one roof right at our office.
How to Prevent Complications and Support Healthy Development
Although shark teeth can’t always be prevented, regular dental checkups starting at an early age play a big role in catching developmental issues before they become long-term concerns.
At Eastside Family Dentistry, our goal is always to inform families about what to expect at each stage of their child’s dental growth, so you can make decisions with confidence. To support your child’s oral development, be sure to:
- Schedule checkups every six months for comprehensive preventive care.
- Encourage healthy brushing and flossing habits to maintain clean tooth surfaces.
- Monitor the progression of baby tooth loss and permanent tooth eruption.
Our experienced dentists take the time to listen, evaluate, and guide you and your child every step of the way, using a blend of expertise and compassion that has earned the trust of the Issaquah community.
Schedule a Gentle Evaluation for Shark Teeth in Issaquah
If you’ve noticed early permanent teeth coming in behind baby teeth, contact Eastside Family Dentistry to schedule an evaluation. Dr. Alexandra Cristescu and her highly skilled team are here to help your child feel comfortable and cared for while we ensure their smile develops as it should. Call (425) 391-9200 today to book your appointment in Issaquah. We’re here to guide your family through every stage of dental development with experience and heart.