Shark Teeth in Kids: Double Rows Explained

"Shark teeth" is the nickname for what happens when a child's permanent tooth erupts behind (or in front of) the baby tooth that has not fallen out yet — leaving two rows of teeth for a while. It looks strange, but in most kids it is a normal phase of tooth transition, most often with the lower front teeth around ages 5 to 7. The baby tooth usually loosens and falls out on its own within weeks. I see it so often that I can usually reassure a worried parent from a single photo — it is genuinely one of the least worrisome things that looks alarming.

Why it happens

The permanent tooth normally dissolves the baby tooth's root as it comes up, pushing it out. Sometimes the permanent tooth erupts slightly off-center, misses the root, and pops up behind it instead. The baby tooth then has no signal to loosen — so it stays put while the newcomer arrives. This is very common with lower incisors. It also runs in families: if you had shark teeth as a kid, there is a good chance your child will too.

When it resolves on its own

If the baby tooth is already wiggly, give it time and encourage gentle wiggling — nature usually finishes the job in a few weeks, and the tongue gradually pushes the permanent tooth forward into place. I check this pattern at every regular checkup, and radiographs only when clinically useful confirm what is happening underneath. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots can help the process along — the chewing motion gives that stubborn baby tooth the nudge it needs.

When we step in

Come see me if the baby tooth is not loose at all after a few weeks, if there are two full rows for more than a couple of months, or if the permanent tooth is erupting very far out of position. In those cases a simple, quick extraction of the stubborn baby tooth lets the permanent tooth drift into place. Call 212-561-5303 — our office at 54 Warren St sees this weekly. The extraction itself takes minutes, and kids are usually surprised at how little they feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are shark teeth painful for kids?

No. Children usually do not feel the second row erupting. If there is pain or swelling, that is a separate issue worth a visit.

Should my child wiggle the baby tooth?

Gentle wiggling is fine and can help. Do not force or twist a tooth that is firmly in place.

Will the permanent tooth straighten itself?

Often yes — the tongue pushes it forward once the baby tooth is gone. If it stays crooked, we evaluate orthodontically.

Does this happen with top teeth too?

Less often, but yes. Upper shark teeth get the same watch-and-wait approach unless the baby tooth refuses to budge.