The sight of another tooth growing behind the baby tooth can be quite alarming for most parents. This funny look is known as ‘shark teeth’. First time parents who do not know that their child’s baby teeth will fall off and be replaced by permanent ones are usually more alarmed.
When a child is about the age of 6 years, the baby teeth become loose and are replaced by permanent ones; this is known as the ‘mixed dentition’ stage. The lower front teeth are the first to become loose and eventually fall off. This happens because the permanent teeth puts pressure on the baby teeth making it loose till it falls off. In some cases, the baby teeth do not fall off, rather, the permanent ones grow behind it giving the child a funny look. This should not be a cause for alarm because as soon as the baby tooth gets out of the way, the tongue will push the permanent tooth forward into its rightful place.
What to do
- If the baby tooth is loose, observe it for a few weeks to see if it falls out on its own as the tooth can be knocked out by your child when chewing.
- If the baby tooth is firm, it means it will probably not fall out on its own. Therefore, your child will need to visit the dentist who will help take the baby tooth out so the permanent one can grow properly.