🦈 Shark Teeth in Humans: What Parents Need to Know
If you’ve noticed your child developing two rows of teeth—don’t panic. It might look a little wild (and yes, like a tiny shark mouth), but it’s actually a common dental condition known as “shark teeth.”
In this post, we’ll break down what shark teeth really are, why they happen, and when it’s time to see your dentist.
🤔 What Does “Having Shark Teeth” Mean?
When a child’s permanent teeth start coming in before the baby teeth fall out, they can end up with two rows of teeth—like a shark! This condition often happens in the lower front teeth around ages 5 to 7 but can occur later too.
This is what people commonly call “shark teeth” in humans—and while it looks unusual, it’s more common than you think.
📘 What Is Shark Teeth Syndrome?
While not a formal medical term, “shark teeth syndrome” is a nickname for the double row of teeth kids develop during the transitional phase between baby and adult teeth. It’s usually temporary and harmless, but in some cases, it may require treatment.
🧬 What Causes Shark Teeth in Kids?
Shark teeth usually occur when:
- Adult teeth come in quickly or early
- Baby teeth have long roots and resist falling out
- There’s crowding in the jaw
- Your child has a genetic tendency toward tight spacing or delays in baby tooth shedding
It’s not caused by poor hygiene or anything you’ve done wrong. It’s just a part of some children’s dental development.
🧒 Is It Normal for My Child to Keep Getting Shark Teeth?
Yes, some kids get shark teeth more than once, especially if their baby teeth are slow to fall out. It’s most common in the bottom front teeth and sometimes the upper front as well.
If you notice this happening multiple times—or in places that seem unusual—it’s a good idea to check in with your dentist.
😬 Are Shark Teeth in Kids Bad?
Not necessarily. In many cases, the baby teeth will eventually fall out, and the adult teeth will move into position without intervention.
However, if the baby teeth stay in place for too long or the adult teeth begin growing in crooked, your dentist might recommend:
- Monitoring with X-rays
- Extracting the baby teeth
- Planning for early orthodontic support if needed
🦷 Do Shark Teeth in Kids Need to Be Pulled?
Sometimes, yes. If the baby teeth aren’t loosening on their own and adult teeth are fully in place behind them, we may recommend a simple and gentle extraction.
This helps prevent crowding and lets the adult teeth shift into the proper position.
🧰 How Do You Remove Shark Teeth in Kids?
If extraction is needed, it’s a quick and gentle in-office procedure—often done with numbing gel or local anesthesia. Most kids do great and recover quickly with minimal discomfort.
We’ll make sure your child is relaxed, comfortable, and fully supported during the process.
👧 What If My Daughter’s Tooth Is Growing Behind Her Baby Tooth?
That’s the classic shark tooth scenario! If the baby tooth isn’t loose or is only slightly wiggly, bring her in so we can evaluate the situation. We’ll check if the baby tooth should be encouraged out—or if it’s time for a little help.
🦷 What If My 7-Year-Old Has a Loose Permanent Tooth?
If a permanent tooth is loose—especially if it’s been injured—schedule a visit right away. This is different from a baby tooth coming out and needs evaluation.
Permanent teeth should not be wiggly once they’ve grown in fully.
😁 Do Kids with Shark Teeth Need Braces?
Not always—but in some cases, shark teeth can create crowding or misalignment that may require braces later on. Your dentist will monitor the spacing and jaw development to determine whether orthodontics might be needed in the future.
🧛 Why Are My Son’s Teeth Pointy?
Pointy teeth are often totally normal, especially in canines (the “fang” teeth). They help tear food and are naturally sharper. If the pointiness looks excessive, chipped, or is causing discomfort, we’re happy to take a look.
👩⚕️ How We Treat Shark Teeth at Tribute Family Dentistry
At our Frisco practice, we’ve seen hundreds of kids with shark teeth—and we always take a calm, caring approach. Whether your child needs a little reassurance or a baby tooth extraction, we tailor the visit to make it easy for both of you.
✅ Gentle exams with small tools
✅ Fun, kid-friendly explanations
✅ Quick X-rays if needed
✅ Honest, pressure-free recommendations
📅 When to Visit the Dentist for Shark Teeth
Give us a call if:
- You see two rows of teeth with no sign of the baby tooth loosening
- The permanent teeth seem misaligned or crowded
- Your child is feeling pain or discomfort
- You just want peace of mind from a dental professional
We’re happy to take a look—and we promise not to make a big deal out of it (unless it is!).
📍 Schedule a visit at our Frisco office
📞 (214) 227-8900