Last week I got a shock when I was helping Cass to brush her teeth. For a few days already, Cass was telling me that she felt pain in her lower mouth, especially when she bit on hard food.

What do I know? Upon checking her lower teeth, I saw 2 teeth (or maybe 1) erupting from behind her baby teeth! And her baby teeth are still so firm and rooted solidly in the gums. That just pressed the panic button in me. A few days later, I brought Cass to see the dentist.

Upon checking Cass’ teeth, the dentist told me to leave it alone but to monitor it. If the baby tooth does not drop within 3 months, Cass is to be brought back to the dentist. For once, I am now hoping that Cass’ tooth will drop! So that there is space for the permanent tooth/teeth to cut out nicely.

What is permanent teeth erupting behind baby teeth?
The baby tooth will still be in the mouth and then the permanent tooth will erupt. This is most commonly seen in kids who are six years old and in the lower front teeth. The technical term for this is lingually erupting mandibular incisors. The other name that it is known by is shark teeth or simply permanent teeth erupting behind the baby teeth. This can also happen to the upper molars when the child is 11 years old.

Here’s a picture of shark teeth that I got from the internet and I am praying that this will NOT happen to Cass!

Conclusion
The thing to remember as a parent is that shark teeth are not abnormal. Almost 10% of children have it and the milk teeth will either fall on their own within some time. If they don’t fall even after some weeks, then intervention of a dentist is required. If the baby tooth falls out on its own then you are surely spared the hassles. If it does not then you need to consult a dentist who will recommend a solution. The baby tooth is pulled out in such situations. It is a simple thing and you need not worry needlessly about it. This will make enough room in your child’s mouth for the permanent teeth to emerge.