Eruption of Permanent Teeth Behind Baby Teeth
Why Permanent Teeth Sometimes Erupt Behind Baby Teeth
You’ve seen a tooth coming through behind one of your child’s baby teeth, and your first thought was that something’s wrong. As our Brisbane paediatric dentist explains, in most cases, the eruption of permanent teeth behind baby teeth is nothing to be alarmed about. This happens most commonly in the lower front teeth (bottom middle ones) and is often called “shark teeth” because of the double row it creates.
The reason it happens is simple: permanent teeth naturally develop underneath the baby teeth, but sometimes, instead of pushing the baby tooth out from directly below, they come up behind it.
This occurs because the permanent teeth form on the tongue side (lingual side) of the jaw. Ideally, the roots of baby teeth dissolve as the permanent teeth push through.
How Do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?
Baby teeth fall out naturally through a process called exfoliation, which starts when permanent teeth develop underneath and push upward, Brisbane dentists explain. As they grow, they dissolve the roots of baby teeth (resorption), causing them to loosen and eventually fall out, making space for adult teeth.
This process usually begins around age 6, starting with the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. Over the next few years, the lateral incisors (the teeth next to the front ones), then the canines and premolars (which replace the baby molars), come through. The full change is usually complete by age 12 or 13.
What’s Normal by Around Age 8?
By around age 8, most children have their permanent front teeth (incisors) and first permanent molars, while they still keep their baby canines and molars on the sides. If one permanent tooth comes through on one side of the mouth but its match on the other side hasn’t appeared after about six months, it’s a good idea to check with a dentist.
What Causes Shark Teeth?
If you’ve spotted this in your child, here’s what’s usually going on. Each adult tooth grows in just behind its baby tooth, and as it pushes up, it slowly dissolves the root so the baby tooth can drop out and make way. Sometimes that root is just slow to dissolve, so the baby tooth hangs on a little longer while the adult tooth comes up behind it. It happens most often with the bottom front teeth, usually when your child is around 6 or 7.
It can happen with the top front teeth too, though that’s less common. Up there, the tongue can’t push the new tooth forward as easily, and a knock to a baby tooth earlier on can send the adult tooth off course. So with the top teeth, it’s a bit more likely your child will need a hand from the dentist.
Should I Be Worried about Shark Teeth?
Most of the time, no. It’s a normal part of your child growing up, and it happens to plenty of kids. The main thing to watch for is a baby tooth that won’t budge after a few weeks, or a new tooth coming in at a real angle. If you notice either, it’s worth a quick check with your kids dentist. For most children, though, a bit of patience is all it takes.
What Should I Do If My Child Has a Permanent Tooth Behind a Baby Tooth?
Not a lot, really. It usually sorts itself out, but a couple of simple things can help.
Encourage a gentle wiggle. If the baby tooth is already wobbly, let your child wiggle it with a clean finger or their tongue. That can help it come out a little sooner. If it isn’t loose yet, just leave it be. It will get there on its own.
Keep the area clean. Two teeth sitting close together can trap food more easily, so a careful brush and floss around the spot keeps things healthy while you wait.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Most of the time, there’s nothing you need to do beyond keeping an eye on things at home. It’s worth a quick check with your dentist, though, if you notice any of these:
- The baby tooth still hasn’t come out a few weeks after the adult tooth appeared, whether it feels firm or just won’t drop off.
- Your child has any pain, or the gum around the tooth looks red or swollen.
- The new tooth is coming through at a noticeable angle.
- One side gets well ahead of the other. For example, a tooth has come through on one side but its match on the other side still hasn’t appeared after about six months.
Does My Child’s Baby Tooth Need to Be Pulled Out?
In most cases, it won’t. The baby tooth usually drops out by itself, and our dentists only step in if that doesn’t happen. When they do suggest taking it out, it’s generally for one of two reasons:
The baby tooth is stuck. If it’s still firmly in place and hasn’t started to loosen, even though the adult tooth is well through, it can block the adult tooth’s path. Taking it out gives the new tooth room to move forward.
It hasn’t sorted itself out by around age 8. Most lower front baby teeth have come out by this age. If the double row is still there and the adult teeth are fully through behind, your dentist may decide it’s time to help things along.
If removal is needed, our paediatric dentists take out only the tooth that’s causing the problem. Removing teeth too early, or more than needed, can leave gaps that lead to alignment trouble later, so it’s something they approach carefully.
Can Shark Teeth Affect My Child’s Teeth Alignment Later?
Usually not. Once the baby tooth comes out, the adult tooth tends to move into its proper spot on its own, so for most children, there is no lasting effect on how their teeth line up.
Most of the time, no extra treatment is needed. A small number of children do need a hand later on, but that is usually for the ordinary reasons any child might, like crowding or the way the teeth meet, rather than the shark teeth themselves. If braces are ever needed, your dentist will talk you through it when the time is right.
Crowding is the main thing to keep an eye on. Adult teeth are bigger than baby teeth, so if your child’s baby teeth sit very close together with no gaps, there may be less room for the adult ones to come in straight. Your dentist watches for this at the usual check-ups.
How to Prevent Problems with Permanent Teeth Erupting
Schedule regular dental check-ups. Routine visits let your dentist keep an eye on how your child’s teeth are coming through and pick up any issues early.
Encourage good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and a healthy diet help keep teeth and gums strong.
Ease off dummy use and thumb sucking. If these carry on past about age four, as the adult teeth appear, they may affect your child’s bite. Helping your child stop in their own time lowers that risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Child Be in Pain If Their Permanent Teeth Erupt Behind Baby Teeth?
Usually not. Shark teeth, where an adult tooth comes up behind a baby tooth, are common, and most children feel nothing at all. Some feel a little discomfort where the new tooth meets the gum, which is normal. If your child is sore or you notice any swelling, it’s worth a quick check with your dentist to be sure all is well.
Should I be worried if the new tooth looks crooked or out of place?
In most cases, no. When an adult tooth first comes through, it can look crooked or sit in an odd spot, especially while the baby tooth is still there or just gone. In most children, the tongue, lips and normal jaw growth gradually nudge it into a better position over the following months. If it still looks out of place after a few months, or several teeth seem affected, book a check so your dentist can take a look and let you know if anything is needed.
How Long Does It Take for the Baby Tooth to Fall Out Once the Permanent Tooth Starts Coming In?
Once a permanent tooth starts to come through, it usually takes a few weeks for the baby tooth in front of it to loosen and fall out. Encouraging your child to gently wiggle the loose baby tooth can help speed this up. If the baby tooth is still firmly in place more than a few weeks after the adult tooth has appeared, it’s worth checking with your dentist for guidance.
If My Child Needs the Baby Tooth Removed, Is It a Complicated Procedure?
Removing a baby tooth is generally a straightforward and routine procedure. Dentists perform this with minimal discomfort to the child. After removal, the permanent tooth usually moves into its correct position naturally. Your dentist will guide you through the process and provide aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
What If My Child Has Dental Anxiety?
It’s normal for children to experience dental anxiety. At Pure Dentistry, we offer options like laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and sleep dentistry through general anaesthesia to help your child feel comfortable during dental procedures. Laughing gas is a mild sedative that helps children relax while remaining awake, and its effects wear off quickly after the procedure. For more extensive treatments or higher anxiety levels, Brisbane Dental Sleep Clinic points out that sleep dentistry Brisbane under general anaesthesia allows your child to sleep through the procedure and remain unaware during the procedure. Our team will discuss these options with you to determine the best approach for your child’s needs.
Ensure Your Child’s Smile Grows Healthy and Strong
Seeing a permanent tooth erupt behind a baby tooth can be concerning, but early dental care ensures everything develops properly. If your child’s baby tooth isn’t loosening or the new tooth is growing at an angle, professional guidance can help prevent future alignment issues. Our experienced team provides gentle, expert care to keep your child’s smile on track. We also offer flexible payment options through Humm and Supercare for your convenience. Schedule an appointment today by calling 07 3343 4869.
