“Is This Normal?” 8 Things Parents Notice About Their Child’s Teeth

Have you ever looked at your child’s teeth and wondered, “Hmmm, is this normal?” If so, you’re not alone. As parents, it’s natural for us to want to do everything we can to make sure our children’s bodies, and that includes their smiles, are happy and healthy. So, when we see gaps between their teeth, tooth discoloration, or something else that just doesn’t seem normal, it makes us wonder.

So, if you’re a parent of a young child with a developing smile, this article will help answer some of your questions. Even better, it will help put your mind at ease about how your child’s smile is coming along.

Quick answer: What changes in a child’s teeth are normal?

Many changes are normal as baby teeth come in, fall out, and make room for permanent teeth. You may notice gaps, temporary crookedness, color differences, or teeth coming in at different times. Since every child develops at their own pace, the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists in Omaha recommends asking your child’s dentist about any changes or concerns you notice. Let’s look at some of the changes you might see in your child’s smile.

1. There are gaps between their baby teeth. 

Gaps between teeth are completely normal and not an indicator of anything wrong with your child’s oral development. Baby teeth are considerably smaller than the permanent teeth that your child will get as they grow older. So, simply think of this as normal spacing that can actually help provide room for those larger teeth when the time comes. 

2. Their new permanent teeth look huge. 

Conversely, it’s not unusual for parents to tell our team that their child’s permanent teeth look substantially larger than their baby teeth. That’s because permanent teeth really are bigger. They may seem especially large when they first appear because your child’s face and jaw are still growing. As your child gets older, their permanent teeth will usually look more proportional to their smile.

3. Their permanent teeth look more yellow than their baby teeth. 

Permanent teeth often look more yellow than baby teeth, and this is usually normal. Adult teeth contain more dentin, the naturally darker layer beneath the enamel. Since enamel is slightly translucent, some of that color can show through. Newly erupted teeth can also appear more transparent at first. The contrast is easier to see next to bright white baby teeth. As baby teeth fall out, your child’s smile will typically look more uniform in color.

4. Their teeth aren’t falling out in the same order as their friends’ teeth. 

Though your pediatric dentist near Omaha can somewhat predict the order that your child’s teeth will fall out, it’s important to understand that this is only a prediction. When teeth will fall out, and in what order, is sometimes a bit random and is as unique as your child. So, if the neighbor kids’ teeth are falling out now and your child’s teeth are holding strong, there’s no need to worry. 

5. A permanent tooth is coming in before the baby tooth falls out. 

Yes, it’s true that sharks have multiple rows of teeth (between five and 15 at any given time). And it’s actually possible that your child might have multiple rows at some point as well. This isn’t all that unusual.

Dentists sometimes call this the “shark teeth” effect. It happens when a permanent tooth comes in behind a baby tooth that is still in place. Often, the baby tooth loosens and falls out on its own. If it stays firmly in place or causes discomfort, your pediatric dentist may want to take a closer look.

6. Their new teeth look crooked or crowded. 

Permanent teeth do not always come in perfectly straight. Your child’s jaw is still growing, and new teeth may erupt at an angle or appear crowded while other baby teeth are still present. Some teeth may shift as their mouth develops and more permanent teeth arrive. Your pediatric dental team can monitor these changes during regular visits and let you know if the spacing or alignment needs further attention.

7. Their new permanent teeth have bumps along the edges. 

Don’t worry, those bumps are also completely normal. These ridges are called mamelons and often appear on the lower and upper incisors. Over time, these bumps and ridges will start to smooth out through the natural process of chewing food. Know that mamelons are not harmful and will not have any negative effects on your child’s overall oral health. 

8. One side of their mouth seems ahead of the other. 

Teeth don’t always follow the exact same schedule on both sides of the mouth. One permanent tooth may appear weeks or even months before its matching tooth on the other side. This uneven eruption can be a normal part of your child’s development. Your pediatric dentist can track how the teeth are coming in and check for anything that may be delaying a tooth that takes longer to appear.

When should you ask the pediatric dentist?

We encourage parents to start bringing their child to the dentist around the time that their first tooth comes in or their first birthday rolls around. After that, we hope to see your little ones every six months for professional dental cleanings and to help them get used to visiting the dentist. 

During these visits, we will check for normal oral development, and if we see any signs of concern, we will discuss treatment options with you. That said, we always encourage parents to ask questions if they are unsure whether something is normal.

Generally speaking, we also encourage parents to reach out to their dentist for pediatrics if they notice any of the following:

• Tooth pain that does not go away.
• Swelling, redness, or bleeding around a tooth.
• A permanent tooth coming in while the baby tooth remains firmly in place.
• A tooth that seems to erupt much later than the matching tooth.
• Dark, white, or unusual spots on a tooth.
• A chipped, cracked, loose, or injured tooth.
• Crowding or alignment that seems to be getting worse.
• Any change in your child’s teeth or gums that concerns you.

You’re doing the right thing by asking.

Parenting isn’t easy. And there are so many things that can creep up that might prompt some questions. For that reason, we can’t emphasize enough how much we welcome your questions. We don’t expect parents to know what’s normal and what isn’t. Please know that we will always take the time to answer your questions without judgment. Our goal is to partner with you to provide optimal care for your child and their growing smile.

Contact us today if you have a question or if your child is in need of a dental appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Child’s Teeth 

At what age do children usually start losing baby teeth?

Children usually start losing their baby teeth around age six, although some children begin a little earlier or later.

Is it normal for permanent teeth to look yellow?

Yes, it is normal for permanent teeth to look more yellow than baby teeth because adult teeth contain more naturally yellow dentin beneath the enamel.

Why is my child’s permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth?

A permanent tooth may grow behind a baby tooth when the baby tooth has not fallen out yet. This is sometimes called “shark teeth” and often resolves as the baby tooth loosens and falls out.

How long should it take for a permanent tooth to come in?

There is no exact timeline for a permanent tooth to come in. Eruption times vary from child to child, and some teeth take longer to appear than others.

When should I be concerned about crooked permanent teeth?

Crooked permanent teeth are common as a child’s mouth develops. Talk with your pediatric dentist if the crowding is severe, causes discomfort, or does not improve as more permanent teeth come in.