What Happens When An Adult Tooth Comes In Behind a Baby Tooth?
What Happens When An Adult Tooth Comes In Behind A Baby Tooth?
The loss of one of your child’s baby teeth is usually a very exciting time! They may have a tall tale to tell about how it came out and be awaiting a visit from the Tooth Fairy. However, it can become frustrating if the baby tooth refuses to budge. You may even notice another tooth beginning to grow from behind it. If you notice an adult tooth growing behind a baby tooth, don’t be alarmed! There is an explanation for this.
How does it happen?
Most of the time adult teeth come up underneath baby teeth, forcing them to fall out. This is how we end up with our permanent set of teeth. Sometimes an adult tooth will form and grow behind a baby tooth.
Also known as shark teeth, this is a condition that can occur when the baby tooth takes a prolonged time to fall out or if the child’s mouth is crowded. It may look unusual, but this is a far more common occurrence than you may think it. Around 10% of children will experience an adult tooth coming in behind a baby tooth. It’s most common in six to seven year old children, around their lower and upper front teeth.
Should I be worried?
If you notice an adult tooth behind your child’s baby tooth, don’t panic! The best thing you can do is to encourage your child to wiggle the baby tooth with side to side motions and twisting. This will help coax the tooth to fall out and allow the adult tooth space to move.
The only problem that can occur is if the baby tooth refuses to come out even after trying to coax it out manually. If you find that the baby tooth hasn’t budged after a few weeks, contact us at Robert Duhig Dental for advice.
What happens if the adult tooth is crooked?
Once the baby tooth falls out on its own, the adult tooth may appear to be crooked. This isn’t a serious concern as the tooth can correct its position over time. This tooth adjusting process can take up to a year.
However, if your child has a crowded mouth, they may need assistance in the teeth straightening process. At Robert Duhig, we can provide helpful advice on what to do if your child needs their teeth straightened.
Robert Duhig Dental understands the gentle process needed when it comes to providing dentistry for kids. Located on Brisbane’s north side, we provide dentistry that will help care for your child’s baby and permanent teeth.
If you notice an adult tooth growing behind a baby tooth that refuses to budge, drop in for a check up at Sandgate’s family friendly dentist – Robert Duhig Dental.