What to do if your child gets a permanent tooth behind the baby tooth?
When a child begins to erupt a permanent tooth behind a baby tooth, many moms are alarmed to see two rows of teeth in the mouth, as if they were “shark teeth”. While this may seem worrisome, it is a relatively common occurrence in the stage of tooth change. However, it does require attention, as the most common cause is a lack of space in the mouth for the new tooth.
Why does this happen?
Normally, permanent teeth push on the roots of baby teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out, making room for the new tooth to grow in. However, when there is not enough room in the jaw, the permanent tooth may erupt in an incorrect position, usually behind the baby tooth. This problem occurs most often in the lower incisors (the lower front teeth) and may be due to factors such as:
- Small or narrow mouths.
- Dental crowding (lack of space in general).
- A delay in the fall of the baby tooth.
Why it is important to visit a child specialist
Although in some cases the baby tooth may loosen and fall out on its own, it is essential to see a child specialist to evaluate the situation. These are the main reasons:
- Avoid dental alignment problems:
If the baby tooth does not fall out naturally, the permanent tooth can become malpositioned, affecting dental alignment and bite. This may result in the need for orthodontics later in life. - Identify the lack of space:
The most common cause of a permanent tooth coming in behind the baby tooth is a lack of space. The pediatric orthodontist will evaluate if the child’s dental arch has enough room for the new teeth and, if not, will help the mouth grow well. - Prevent complications:
When a permanent tooth becomes trapped or displaced, it can lead to problems such as infection, difficulty in properly cleaning the teeth or soft tissue damage. - Safe removal of the baby tooth:
If the baby tooth does not loosen on its own and there are no space problems, the pediatric specialist can perform a quick and safe extraction to allow the permanent tooth to grow into the correct position.
What signs indicate that you should see a specialist immediately?
- The baby tooth does not move.
- The permanent tooth is growing out of place.
- The child feels pain, swelling or discomfort when biting.
- There is already crowding in nearby teeth.
How to prevent future problems?
- Regular check-ups: Regular visits to a pediatric specialist starting at age 5 are key to monitoring tooth development and detecting spacing problems early.
- Good oral hygiene: Brushing teeth properly helps to maintain healthy gums and avoid infections during this stage of dental change.
- Early orthodontic evaluation: In many cases, the specialist may recommend treatment to create space in the mouth for the new teeth to erupt in place and healthy.
A call to action
If you notice that your child has grown in a permanent tooth behind the baby tooth, don’t wait too long. Although some cases resolve on their own, they often need the intervention of a pediatric specialist to ensure healthy dental development. Remember, early diagnosis can prevent bigger problems down the road – make visits to a pediatric specialist a priority and take care of your child’s smile now! 😊
