Pediatric Shark Teeth – What Are They
June 23rd, 2010 by Bill E. Kidd
While pediatric shark teeth sound scary, it really looks worse than it is. When permanent teeth grow behind baby teeth, instead of pushing them up and out, this is known as pediatric shark teeth.
This is a common occurrence in children and generally happens to the front lower or front upper teeth around the age of six in most children. Some kids can begin getting adult teeth earlier, while others wait until eight years of age to lose a first tooth. pediatric shark teeth can also occur in molars and incisors as well.
How Shark Teeth in Children Happen
If an adult tooth is not exerting pressure on the baby tooth it is under, or does not have enough room to emerge, it will take the path of least resistance and grow behind the baby teeth. This makes the baby tooth root take longer to dissolve. When this occurs, the child experiences what exactly is known as shark teeth.
How to Treat Shark Teeth in Children
Have you notice shark teeth emerging in your child? If so make sure to get your child into the dentist as soon as possible.
If the dentist sees that your child’s other teeth are okay, here she will probably just have your child play with the baby tooth to try to get it to come out on its own. If it doesn’t after a period of about three weeks, then you’ll probably have to go back to the dentist to have them take care of it.
The stubborn baby tooth would be removed by the dentist to allow the permanent tooth to position itself correctly. How would position itself correctly? The teeth will be naturally pushed on by the child is here she eats talks and plays with it. This all will help it move into the right place.
Unfortunately sometimes there still is not enough room for the permanent tooth to move into position even after the baby tooth is removed. When this occurs, the dentist performs a procedure known as disking, which makes room by slimming down neighboring teeth.
Pediatric shark teeth really is not a huge issue, and many times they resolve on their own. However, if you’re worried about this, simply schedule a consultation with your pediatric dentist.
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