Like many parents, you may think you already grasp the oral issues a child could face. What else is there besides cavities, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and so on? However, many don’t know how to respond when their children show two rows of teeth along the same arch. You’ll want to brush up on that information, or else you’ll put your family’s smiles at risk. With that said, here’s a guide to responding to shark teeth in kids from your Hillsboro pediatric dentist.
What are Shark Teeth?
For starters, you’ll need to learn the basics about this “double row” of teeth. You won’t have a good sense of how to respond otherwise.
“Shark teeth” (or mesiodens) refer to adult teeth that erupt behind or between a child’s baby teeth. Caused by delayed tooth loss, crowding, and genetics, they make kids’ smiles look rather shark-like from up close. They can also cause mild pain and block the eruption of permanent teeth, as well as increase a child’s risk of cavities and gum disease.
Many “shark teeth” occur when a child is between 5 and 7 years old. While usually seen on the lower incisors, they can develop near the upper incisors or primary molars as well.
How Should You Respond to Them?
Since adult teeth naturally replace earlier ones, most cases of “shark teeth” don’t require treatment. Even so, you should take an active response to their presence.
If your child’s baby teeth are loose and wiggly, take a “wait and see” approach. There’s a good chance they’ll fall out on their own and eliminate the problem. In fact, you could even encourage your child to wiggle their baby teeth with their finger or tongue to loosen them further. Then the permanent ones can erupt properly without any trouble.
You should see a dentist for help if the baby teeth aren’t loose. A dental provider may perform a tooth extraction in that case, quickly resolving the issue. On the other hand, they could recommend an orthodontic evaluation – an assessment that confirms whether your child will need braces or similar treatments.
Ways to Make Your Child’s Teeth Healthy
You can’t absolutely prevent shark teeth in kids, but you can help your children develop a healthy smile. Just consider the tips below:
- Have your child brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush twice daily
- Make sure your children floss between any two touching teeth
- Have your child attend regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Keep food and drinks with added sugar to a minimum
- Instruct your child to wear a mouthguard during sports
While shark teeth in kids can seem rather strange, you have the power to address them wisely. Just use the guidance above and see your pediatric dentist for extra help!
About the Practice
Dentists at Orenco for Kids is based in Hillsboro, OR. Led by Drs. Royse and Beltzner, our practice strives to give every child a smile that thrives into adulthood. We thus offer preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services, all tailored to your little one’s grin. Our office also provides general dentistry for parents of child patients. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (503)-640-6565.