📖 Reading time: four minutes.
Does it look like your child has too many teeth? Are their adult teeth growing behind their baby teeth? This phenomenon, where a row of teeth appears behind a child’s primary teeth, is known as ectopic eruption or shark teeth. Though it might seem alarming, it’s a relatively common occurrence.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the reasons why your child’s adult teeth might be growing behind their baby teeth and what you can do to address it.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Ectopic eruption, where adult teeth grow behind baby teeth, are a normal part of childhood development. In most cases, it’s harmless and resolves on its own as the baby teeth naturally fall out, making way for the permanent adult teeth.
What Causes Ectopic Eruption?
This condition typically appears when children are between 5 and 7 years old, which is the typical age for the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Natural process: In most cases, the emerging adult tooth puts pressure on the baby tooth root, causing it to loosen and eventually fall out. This creates space for the adult tooth to move into the correct position.
- Stubborn baby teeth: Sometimes, the baby tooth root doesn’t dissolve as quickly as it should, or the baby tooth doesn’t become loose enough to fall out on its own. This can lead to the adult tooth erupting behind the baby tooth.
- Other factors: While less common, other factors like genetics, certain medical conditions, or extra teeth can also contribute to ectopic eruption.
Is it a Problem?
Typically, this condition is harmless and resolves on its own within a few weeks or months as the baby tooth falls out naturally. However, there are a few situations where it might be a good idea to consult a pediatric dentist:
- Pain or discomfort: If your child is experiencing tooth pain or difficulty chewing, it could indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.
- Severe crowding: If the adult teeth are very crowded or misaligned, it may affect the proper alignment of the permanent teeth.
- Delayed baby tooth loss: If the baby tooth hasn’t fallen out after a few months, it’s a good idea to check with a dentist to rule out any underlying issues.
Common Areas for Ectopic Eruption
This condition typically develops in specific areas of the mouth:
- Lower front teeth (lower incisors): The most common area for permanent teeth to grow behind the baby teeth.
- Upper incisors: Less common but can occur.
- Upper back molars (wisdom teeth): Though rare, additional teeth can erupt behind the upper back molars.
- Primary molars and canine teeth: Occasional cases in these areas.
Treatment Options
Most cases resolve naturally. However, if intervention is needed, your pediatric dentist may recommend:
- Wiggling: Encourage your child to gently wiggle the loose baby tooth to help it fall out faster.
- Extraction: In some cases, the dentist may need to extract the baby tooth to create space for the adult tooth. This is usually a quick and simple dental procedure.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
It’s always a good idea to schedule regular dental visits for your child, even if they don’t have any apparent dental issues. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor tooth development and identify any potential problems early on.
If you notice any of the following, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist:
- Pain or discomfort
- Signs of infection, such as swelling or redness around the tooth
- The baby teeth do not fall out after several months
Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry: Your Kids Dentist in Phoenix, AZ
We specialize in providing gentle and comprehensive dental care for children of all ages. Our kid-friendly office and experienced team will make your child’s dental visit a positive experience.
If you are searching for the ‘top pediatric dentist near me’ or a ‘pediatric dentist in Phoenix,’ we can help!. Call us at (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form.
