Sturz & Abby Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is helping parents understand and navigate concerns about 'shark teeth,' a common developmental occurrence where a child’s permanent teeth emerge before their baby teeth have fallen out. While this may seem alarming, experts at Sturz & Abby Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics assure parents that this condition resolves naturally without complications in most cases.

'When parents see a second row of teeth in their child's mouth, their first reaction is often a concern,' said Dr. Kurt Sturz, pediatric dentist at the practice. 'However, this phenomenon, known as ectopic eruption, occurs in about 10% of children and is usually not a cause for worry.'

Typically, 'shark teeth' appear when the permanent teeth emerge behind the baby teeth instead of directly underneath them, causing a temporary double-row appearance. While most cases resolve independently as the baby's teeth naturally loosen and fall out, some may require professional intervention.

‘Our goal is to provide reassurance and guidance to parents while ensuring their child’s oral health remains on track,’ said Dr. Chad Abby, orthodontist at the practice. ‘If a child’s baby teeth do not loosen on their own or cause discomfort, a simple and gentle extraction may be necessary to allow proper alignment of the permanent teeth.’

Sturz & Abby Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics emphasizes the importance of regular dental check-ups to monitor dental development and ensure a smooth transition from baby to adult teeth. By addressing concerns early, parents can avoid potential crowding or misalignment issues in the future.

About Sturz & Abby Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Sturz & Abby Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is dedicated to providing exceptional dental and orthodontic care for children in a comfortable and supportive environment. Led by Dr. Kurt Sturz and Dr. Chad Abby, the practice specializes in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics and offers to promote lifelong healthy smiles.
Parents concerned about their child's dental development or 'shark teeth' can schedule a consultation by visiting https://sturzandabby.com/emergency/.