Help! My child has shark teeth!

By: Ashleigh

Several times a year we get a phone call from a concerned parent about something they discovered when brushing their son or daughter's teeth: the new permanent front teeth are coming in behind the baby teeth and it looks like there are two rows of teeth.

As I write this, I am experiencing this same situation with my kindergartner.  It looks weird.  Even I, who has worked here for nearly nine years and answered this call, thought the same thing...why is this happening?  Is it okay?  Will his baby teeth ever come out?

Yes, yes they will.  Sometimes it just takes a little encouragement and help to wiggle and twist those stubborn baby teeth more regularly at home.  Sometimes it takes a little assistance from Dr. Jones to wiggle them out in our office using a little topical numbing gel and Dr. Jones's expert wiggling techniques.  And amazingly, once the baby teeth come out,  the new permanent teeth end up moving forward and into place where they belong.  

If you find your child in a similar situation, please know that it is common and we can help!  Dr. Jones is more than happy to evaluate your child's teeth and determine if she thinks if your kiddo can wiggle out the baby tooth themselves, or if she thinks it needs a little additional help in our office.   And plenty of kids and parents just don't feel comfortable wiggling out teeth at home.  If that's the case, come on in and let us make it easier on everyone :)

Remember!  Please, please, please set your child up for success before the appointment.  Avoid scary words like shot, pulling, yanking, pain, etc.  Dr. Jones uses child-friendly terminology and techniques which not only help your child, but helps Dr. Jones get the tooth out and into a tiny treasure box for the Tooth Fairy!