My daughter's permanent tooth grows with a zig-zag snap at the top. Is this normal?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is 7 year old. She has one permanent teeth with zigzag snap on the top and now the second teeth are like the same. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Can you send me a picture so as to gain more clarity so that I can guide you better?

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

The occurrence of having a new permanent tooth erupt behind a baby tooth may cause a lot of worry for a parent. This is called as shark teeth.

So the new tooth is actually a permanent lower central incisor. When permanent lower incisors erupt then the temporary tooth in front starts to loosen up. Typically, the roots of the baby teeth are dissolved as the new adult teeth come into the mouth.

However, shark teeth occur when the new adult teeth come in behind the baby teeth and do not dissolve the baby roots.

The solution to shark teeth is usually simple. If the baby tooth is loose, the tooth will fall out naturally. Once the baby tooth is gone, the adult tooth usually moves into the correct position over a few months.

If your child has shark teeth and their baby teeth are not loosening naturally, it is time to consult with your pediatric dentist. They can look at your child’s dentition and tell you whether or not the baby teeth need a little professional help.

This zig-zag pattern is known as mamelon and it is normal. So I guess an intraoral x-ray picture will help. If the lower front milk teeth are not loosening, kindly consult a pediatric dentist.