My daughter’s permanent tooth is coming in behind her baby tooth. It’s a lower front tooth. I tried to wiggle the baby tooth, but it won’t budge. Should we yank harder on the baby tooth? Is she going to end up with 2 teeth? – Journee
Journee – If your daughter’s primary tooth isn’t loose at all, contact her pediatric dentist to schedule an examination. Don’t try to extract the tooth on your own. It can cause bleeding, unnecessary pain, and may damage adjacent teeth.
After the examination, the dentist will let you know if the primary tooth will eventually be pushed out by the permanent one, or if it needs to be extracted.
How Common Is It to Have Two Rows of Teeth?
It is not uncommon for a permanent tooth to erupt before the primary tooth comes out. It usually happens with upper or lower front teeth. This condition occurs in about 30% of children and is often referred to as “shark teeth,” because sharks have two rows of teeth.
When the primary tooth is removed, or when it falls out, natural tongue pressure should move it to the correct position. If your child’s teeth are overcrowded, and the tooth does not move to the correct position, it may be best to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Although many parents may wait for the teenage years before visiting an orthodontist, treatment at an early age can intercept future problems and help reduce treatment time.
While waiting for the developments of a tooth in a second row, be certain to care for it with daily flossing and brushing. The developing tooth should not be neglected, because it can decay.
Remember to consult with your daughter’s dentist and not try to resolve the issue on your own.
This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.