It can be alarming to look in your child’s mouth and see a permanent tooth growing in behind a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out yet. Many parents describe it as looking like “two rows of teeth,” which is why this common occurrence is often called shark teeth.
The good news is that this is something we see frequently at Tebo Dental, especially as children begin losing their front baby teeth. While it certainly looks unusual, it isn’t always a sign that something is wrong.
The important question isn’t simply whether the permanent tooth is coming in behind the baby tooth. It’s whether the baby tooth is ready to come out and whether the permanent tooth has enough room to move into its proper position.
Why Does This Happen?
As permanent teeth develop beneath the baby teeth, they normally dissolve the roots of the baby teeth. Once the roots have dissolved enough, the baby tooth becomes loose, falls out, and the permanent tooth erupts into its place.
Sometimes that process doesn’t happen exactly as planned.
A permanent tooth may begin erupting before the baby tooth is loose enough to fall out. When that happens, the permanent tooth often follows the path of least resistance and erupts behind the baby tooth instead. Although it can look dramatic, it’s often just a variation of normal dental development.
When Is It Usually Normal?
One thing we’ve learned after caring for thousands of children is that every child’s dental development happens at a slightly different pace.
If the baby tooth has already started to loosen and the permanent tooth has only recently appeared, we often recommend giving it a little time. As children naturally wiggle loose baby teeth with their tongue, fingers, or while eating, the baby tooth frequently falls out on its own. Once that happens, the permanent tooth often begins moving forward into its proper position.
Parents are often surprised by how much teeth can straighten themselves as more permanent teeth erupt and the tongue naturally helps guide them into place.
When Should a Baby Tooth Be Removed?
While many cases resolve naturally, there are times when removing the baby tooth is the best option.
If the permanent tooth has erupted well behind the baby tooth and the baby tooth isn’t loose, it’s less likely to fall out on its own within a reasonable amount of time. Leaving it in place may delay the permanent tooth from moving where it belongs.
During an examination, we’ll evaluate:
- How loose the baby tooth is
- How much of the permanent tooth has erupted
- Your child’s age
- Whether there’s enough room for the permanent tooth
- How the rest of the permanent teeth are developing
If the baby tooth is no longer serving its purpose, removing it is often a simple way to help the permanent tooth continue erupting normally.
Will the Permanent Tooth Move Into Place?
This is usually the biggest question parents have.
In many cases, the answer is yes.
Once the baby tooth is gone, the permanent tooth often begins drifting toward its natural position over the following weeks and months. Children's mouths continue changing as they grow, and the tongue, lips, and surrounding teeth all help guide permanent teeth into alignment.
That doesn’t mean every tooth will become perfectly straight on its own, but many cases of shark teeth improve significantly without additional treatment.
Does My Child Need Braces?
Not necessarily.
Seeing a permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth doesn’t automatically mean your child will need orthodontic treatment. At Tebo Dental, we’re looking at your child’s overall dental development—not just one tooth.
If we have concerns about crowding, spacing, or the way the permanent teeth are erupting, we’ll discuss those findings with you and recommend an orthodontic evaluation if appropriate. Many children who experience shark teeth never need braces because of that tooth alone.
What We Tell Parents in the Office
One thing we’ve noticed over the years is that shark teeth almost always look worse than they actually are.
Parents understandably become concerned because it appears as though their child suddenly has two rows of teeth. In many cases, after examining the child, we find that the permanent tooth is developing normally and the baby tooth simply needs a little more time—or a little help—to come out.
That’s why we encourage parents not to panic when they first notice a permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth. The appearance can be surprising, but it’s also one of the most common concerns we discuss with families during routine dental visits.
Final Thoughts
A permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth is something many children experience as their smiles develop. While it can look unusual, it’s often a normal part of the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth during children’s dental development.
The most important step is having your child’s teeth evaluated so you know whether the baby tooth is likely to fall out on its own or whether removing it would help the permanent tooth move into its proper position. Identifying these situations early gives your child the best opportunity for healthy dental development.
Schedule an Appointment at Tebo Dental
If you’ve noticed a permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth, the team at Tebo Dental is here to help. We’ll examine your child’s teeth, explain what’s happening, and recommend the next steps based on their individual development.
Whether the best approach is simply monitoring the tooth or removing the baby tooth, we’ll help you make an informed decision and keep your child’s smile on the right track. Contact Tebo Dental today to schedule an appointment.
