Seeing a permanent tooth erupt behind a child’s baby tooth can be concerning. This phenomenon, which typically occurs between the ages of six and eight, is actually quite common and is part of the natural process of dental development. While the double row of teeth may look concerning, it is generally not an immediate dental emergency. Understanding why this happens and what to do next is important.
Identifying the Phenomenon: Why Teeth Erupt Behind
This double-row arrangement is widely known as “Shark Teeth.” Normally, a permanent tooth grows along a path that pushes against and dissolves the root of the baby tooth, a natural process called resorption. This root dissolution causes the baby tooth to loosen and fall out, creating space for the adult tooth to emerge.
The “shark tooth” scenario occurs when the permanent tooth erupts slightly too far toward the tongue side of the mouth (lingual side). Because of this altered path, the permanent tooth misses the baby tooth root, which then fails to dissolve. With its root still intact, the baby tooth remains firmly in place, forcing the permanent tooth to erupt behind it.
This misalignment most frequently involves the lower front incisors because their permanent tooth buds naturally form on the tongue side of the jaw. Less commonly, it can affect the upper front teeth or back molars.
Home Monitoring and Encouraging Primary Tooth Loss
When a permanent tooth emerges behind a baby tooth, the initial response should focus on gentle home monitoring and encouraging the primary tooth to loosen. If the baby tooth is mobile, parents should encourage the child to wiggle it frequently with their tongue or clean fingers. This consistent pressure helps break down the remaining root attachments.
Encouraging natural loosening involves having the child consume crunchy, firm foods like apples, carrots, or celery. This puts natural stress on the baby tooth, aiding in its final detachment. This home care window should last for a few weeks, during which the majority of these baby teeth will fall out on their own. Parents should also maintain meticulous oral hygiene, ensuring both rows of teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
Determining the Need for a Dentist Visit
While many cases resolve naturally, clear criteria exist for when professional intervention becomes necessary. The primary indicator for a required dentist visit is the persistence of the baby tooth. If the primary tooth remains firmly in place and shows no signs of loosening two to three months after the permanent tooth has broken through the gum line, the permanent tooth will be unable to shift into its correct position.
A consultation is also warranted if the new tooth has erupted more than halfway and the baby tooth remains stubborn. Signs for an immediate visit include pain, noticeable gum swelling, or any signs of infection. In these cases, the dentist typically performs a simple extraction of the baby tooth. Once the obstruction is removed, the child’s tongue and natural forces often guide the permanent tooth forward into the correct alignment over time.