What To Do If Your Child’s Permanent Teeth Are Growing in Behind Their Baby Teeth
Are you startled by the sight of your child’s mouth seeming to sprout two rows of teeth? Before you worry, let us explain what is likely happening. Many children go through a phase called ectopic teeth, commonly nicknamed “shark teeth,” where permanent teeth start growing in behind baby teeth that have not yet fallen out. This is more common than most parents realize, and knowing what to expect helps you act at the right time.
Our board-certified pediatric dentists at Bay Area Kids Dentist help families across Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Morgan Hill navigate every stage of their child’s dental development with confidence.
What Are Ectopic Teeth?
Ectopic teeth, commonly called “shark teeth,” occur when permanent teeth push through the gums behind a baby tooth that has not yet fallen out. This typically happens because the root of the baby tooth did not dissolve the way it normally would, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt in the wrong position.
The result is two rows of teeth, which can look alarming but is usually a temporary part of development. In many cases, the situation resolves on its own once the baby tooth finally comes out.
How Common Is It?
It is quite common for children between the ages of 5 and 7 to experience this with their lower front teeth, and again around ages 10 to 13 with permanent molars. If your child has ectopic teeth, you are far from alone. Many parents notice it during a routine brush or when their child wiggles a loose tooth.
The key is to monitor closely and consult a board-certified pediatric dentist so they can guide the situation before it becomes a bigger concern.
Will the New Teeth Shift Into Place on Their Own?
In many cases, yes. Once the baby tooth falls out or is removed, the tongue pressure and natural jaw growth guide the permanent tooth toward its correct position over time. However, this is not guaranteed.
If the baby tooth remains stubbornly in place or the permanent tooth is coming in at an extreme angle, professional intervention may be needed to prevent misalignment or overcrowding.
What Will the Dentist Do?
When dealing with ectopic teeth, a pediatric dentist will evaluate the situation and recommend one or more of the following:
- Extraction of stubborn baby teeth: When a baby tooth refuses to fall out naturally, the dentist may recommend extracting it to give the permanent tooth room to move into proper alignment. This is done gently and with your child’s comfort as the priority
- Orthodontic intervention: If ectopic eruption has led to crowding or misalignment, orthodontic treatment such as braces or space-guiding appliances may help bring the permanent tooth into its correct position
- Monitoring and follow-up: In mild cases, regular checkups allow the dentist to watch the teeth closely and step in only if the situation changes
Your child’s age, the specific tooth involved, and the degree of displacement all factor into which approach is best.
What Happens If It Is Left Untreated?
Choosing to do nothing and hoping the problem resolves carries real risk. Potential complications include:
- Misalignment: Crooked or overlapping teeth affect your child’s bite and make thorough brushing and flossing harder, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Overcrowding: Overcrowded teeth are more prone to plaque buildup and tooth decay because they are difficult to clean properly
- Impaction: In some cases, a permanent tooth can become trapped beneath the gum line entirely, causing pain, swelling, and the need for more invasive procedures
Early evaluation gives the dentist the best chance to correct the situation with minimal intervention.
Bay Area Kids Dentist: Your Trusted Partner
At Bay Area Kids Dentist, our board-certified pediatric dentists specialize in exactly these types of developmental dental concerns. We approach every visit with patience, warmth, and the clinical expertise that comes from years of focused training in children’s dental care.
Learn more about our providers at our doctors page and then schedule a consultation through our contact form. We are here to help your child’s smile develop beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ectopic teeth, or “shark teeth,” in children?
Ectopic teeth occur when a child’s permanent teeth begin growing in behind the baby teeth. This typically happens because the roots of the primary teeth have not dissolved as expected. As the permanent teeth push through the gums, they appear behind the existing baby teeth, creating the look of two rows. This is often a temporary stage in a child’s dental development.
Will my child’s new permanent teeth move into place on their own?
In many cases, yes. Once the baby tooth falls out, tongue pressure and jaw growth typically guide the permanent tooth toward its correct position. However, if the baby tooth is stubborn or the permanent tooth comes in at a sharp angle, a dentist may recommend extraction or orthodontic guidance.
What happens if ectopic teeth are left untreated?
Leaving ectopic teeth unaddressed can lead to misaligned teeth that affect your child’s bite, overcrowding that increases the risk of tooth decay, and in some cases impacted teeth that require more invasive procedures. Early evaluation by a pediatric dentist helps prevent these complications.
When should I take my child to the dentist for ectopic teeth?
Schedule an appointment as soon as you notice permanent teeth growing in behind baby teeth. Early evaluation allows the dentist to monitor the situation and intervene if needed before it becomes a more complex problem.
Is it painful for a child to have teeth growing in behind baby teeth?
Most children experience little to no pain with ectopic teeth. Some mild discomfort is possible as the new tooth pushes through the gum. If your child has significant pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing, see a pediatric dentist promptly.