Sharks: they’re big, they’re scary, and they’re excellent swimmers. But what do those fearsome fish have to do with your child’s smile? Well, if they’re one of the three percent of kids, they could have a second row of choppers known as “shark teeth!”
Here’s a closer look at these dental duplicates, and what you should do to protect your little one’s “jaws!”.
What are Shark Teeth?
While they may not be as sharp and dangerous as real shark teeth, this phenomenon occurs in children when extra teeth erupt behind or between baby teeth, much like our fish friends who have two rows for backup. Officially known as mesiodens, these “extra” teeth can cause a lot of dental problems in humans, including an increase the risk of cavities and gum disease, impaction, and pain or discomfort.
What Causes Shark Teeth?
There are several things that could cause your child to develop shark teeth, including genetics, crowding, and even the delayed loss of baby teeth.
In many cases children with shark teeth require no intervention beyond simply allowing their baby teeth more time to come out on their own. However, in other cases they may require orthodontic intervention or even possibly an extraction to remove the extras from their arches and allow the adult teeth to finish growing properly. In some cases, even if the baby teeth eventually do fall out on their own, your child’s dentist may recommend braces to help straighten out the permanent ones, so they don’t cause problems as your child grows.
How to Care for Shark Teeth While You Wait
While you’re waiting for your child’s shark teeth to fall out or be extracted, be sure you are taking excellent care of them to prevent cavities from forming in both the baby and permanent versions. Be sure your child brushes and flosses carefully around the doubles, paying close attention to the spaces between them where food debris and bacteria can accumulate.
If your child has loose baby teeth, encourage them to gently wiggle them with their fingers or tongue to help them fall out faster, and watch out for any signs of pain or discomfort.
Remember, if you notice something fishy going on in your child’s smile, don’t despair! Shark teeth may be scary at first, but with the help of your pediatric dentist, they shouldn’t cause any harm to your child’s smile. Still, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to reach out to them for rescue!
About Dr. Mehta
Dr. Nisha Mehta earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and dental degree from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where she also won the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award, American Academy of Orofacial Pain Award, and the Isaac Schour Research Scholarship. She is a proud Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association. She was even named one of America’s Top Dentists! To schedule an evaluation for your child’s shark teeth at Welllspring Pediatric Dentistry, visit our website or call 281-849-3003.