Why Does a Tooth Erupt From The Back of The Tooth?

The proper alignment and eruption of teeth is one of the cornerstones of oral health. However, in some cases, this natural process does not work as expected and a new tooth may grow out from behind a tooth. This is commonly known in the medical literature as a “double row of teeth” and can occur in both children and adults.

Teeth erupting from the back of the tooth occurs especially when the deciduous teeth do not fall out on time or when the jaw structure is narrow. When the permanent tooth cannot find the right path, it cannot adapt to the alignment of the existing teeth and begins to erupt at the back. This not only leads to aesthetic problems, but can also negatively affect basic functions such as chewing and speaking.

Understanding the causes of this condition and how it can be resolved is critical both to protect children's oral health and to prevent bigger problems in adults. If you or your child is experiencing this problem, knowing the underlying causes and appropriate treatment options will be the right start for you to take the first step.

So, what are the most common causes of tooth eruption from the back of the tooth and how is this condition managed? Let's examine it with all the details.

What is tooth eruption from behind a tooth?

When a new tooth erupts from behind a tooth, it is a condition that does not follow the natural order of the teeth in the mouth. Normally, deciduous teeth fall out on time and are replaced by permanent teeth. However, sometimes this process does not go as expected and the permanent tooth begins to erupt behind the baby tooth or in a different position. This is commonly known as a “double row of teeth” or “shark teeth” and is particularly common in childhood.

This problem is not limited to deciduous teeth; it can also be seen rarely in adults. The narrowness of the jaw structure, the inability of the teeth to find a place or genetic factors can be effective in the emergence of this situation. If the tooth does not erupt in its natural alignment, it can lead to collisions in tooth alignment, aesthetic disorders and problems in chewing function over time.

Tooth eruption from behind the tooth is usually seen in the lower front teeth (incisors). However, it can also occur in the molars or other areas. Especially in children, this problem is common when the baby teeth do not fall out or fall out late. If this condition is not recognized and intervened early, it can have long-term effects on oral and dental health.

A tooth that grows out from behind a tooth can cause pressure over time and can lead to shifts in the jaw structure. It is therefore important to consult a dentist immediately if this occurs. An expert assessment checks the position of the teeth and helps to formulate a treatment plan. Let's continue our content for more information about the causes, damages and treatment methods of this condition.

Causes of a tooth growing on top of a tooth

The eruption of a tooth on top of or behind a tooth is a common problem that can disrupt the correct alignment of the teeth in the mouth and cause aesthetic and functional problems. There are several main reasons why this condition is seen in different age groups. In particular, genetic predisposition, disruptions in the timing of the fall of milk teeth and narrowness in the jaw structure are the main factors that predispose to this condition.

Genetic Factors

Genetics plays a critical role in shaping our mouth and jaw structure. If one of your family members has had a problem with overbite or misalignment of teeth, there is a high chance that you or your children will

also experience this condition. Genetic traits, such as a small jaw or teeth that grow too close together, are one of the main causes of overbite.

In addition, genetic factors can affect not only the order in which teeth erupt, but also the size of the teeth and the width of the jaw. For example, if an individual with large teeth has a small jaw, the teeth may not find enough space in the jaw and overlap. Therefore, it is important that people with a genetic predisposition do not miss regular dental check-ups.

Late Falling of Milk Teeth

Milk teeth fall out at a certain time to make room for permanent teeth. In some cases, however, milk teeth may stay in the mouth longer than expected. This prevents the underlying permanent tooth from growing in correctly and causes the tooth to break its natural alignment. The permanent tooth may start to erupt from the back or from a different angle because the milk tooth did not fall out at the right time.

Delayed eruption of milk teeth is usually caused by the following reasons:

The roots of the milk teeth do not dissolve.
Loss of function of deciduous teeth due to tooth decay.
The bottom tooth cannot find its way out.

In such cases, dentists extract the deciduous tooth and prepare the ground for the correct growth of the tooth below.

Tooth Collision and Jaw Development Problems

Stenosis or growth problems in the jaw structure are other important reasons that prevent teeth from erupting in the correct position. If the jaw is not wide enough for the teeth to align properly, the permanent teeth cannot adapt to the alignment of the existing teeth. As a result, the teeth either overlap or grow behind the jaw or in a different position.

Common causes of tooth crowding and jaw development problems are:

Hereditary narrow jaw structure.
Childhood habits such as thumb sucking, pencil biting or nail biting.
Frequent teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).

If these problems are not diagnosed early, they can turn into serious problems that require orthodontic treatment later in life.

Oral and Dental Health Habits

The correct and healthy development of teeth depends to a large extent on oral and dental health habits. Neglect of dental care or wrong habits can negatively affect the growth process of teeth. Especially in childhood, regular tooth brushing and dental check-ups increase the likelihood of crooked teeth.

The effects of poor oral and dental health habits can be listed as follows:

Loss of function and premature extraction of milk teeth due to decay.
Inflammation in the gums disrupting the way the teeth erupt.
Lack of proper eating habits that support jaw development.

For this reason, it is important to take proper oral care from childhood and to visit the dentist regularly. Precautions to be taken in the early period ensure that the teeth erupt in a healthy way and prevent bigger problems later in life.

These factors that affect the correct alignment of the teeth can be taken under control with timely diagnosis and intervention. When you encounter this situation, consulting a dentist without wasting time will be the best step to take for your oral health.

What are the Damages of Growing a Tooth from Behind a Tooth?

The emergence of a new tooth from behind or above the tooth is not only an aesthetic problem, it can lead to serious problems affecting oral health, chewing functions and even speech. Without early intervention, this can lead to problems that require more extensive treatment later in life. Here are the main damages of tooth eruption from the back of the tooth:

Prevents Correct Alignment of Teeth

When a tooth erupts from behind a tooth, it can disrupt the arrangement of teeth in the mouth and cause alignment problems. Normally, the teeth are aligned according to the jaw structure and each tooth functions in harmony with the other teeth. However, a tooth emerging from behind can disrupt this order and cause the following problems:

Overlapping of teeth.
Crooked tooth appearance.
Increased pressure on the jawbone.

Such misalignments are not only aesthetically problematic, but also make oral hygiene difficult. The areas between crooked teeth cannot be cleaned properly and this situation invites tooth decay and gum diseases.

Prepares the Ground for Orthodontic Problems

Teeth that erupt from behind disrupt the natural balance of the jaw and oral structure, setting the stage for orthodontic problems. In most cases, orthodontic treatment methods such as braces or clear aligners are required to solve these problems. This situation can progress as follows:

Tooth collisions occur due to the pressure the teeth exert on each other.
It causes the jaw to close incorrectly (malocclusion).
In the long term, it can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint (TMJ).

Recognizing this condition at an early age and starting treatment can prevent more complex and costly treatment processes in the future.

May Cause Speech and Chewing Difficulties

When a tooth erupts in the wrong position, it can directly affect oral function. Teeth that erupt from behind make it difficult to use the chewing surface properly, which can lead to:

Chewing Problems: When teeth are not aligned properly, the process of chewing food is affected. This not only makes it difficult to digest food, but also puts excessive strain on the jaw muscles.
Speech Difficulties: Crooked teeth can cause speech disorders, especially in children. The wrong position of the teeth prevents some letters from being pronounced correctly.
Mouth Fatigue: Poor alignment of the teeth can cause the jaw to close incorrectly, creating a constant feeling of fatigue in the mouth.

Such functional problems directly affect an individual's quality of life and can lead to social and psychological problems over time.

Tooth eruption from the back of the tooth can cause both short-term and long-term health problems if not treated in time. When this problem is encountered, it is possible to correct tooth alignment and prevent

potential damage through early intervention. Remember, regular dental check-ups are the most important step in the early diagnosis and solution of such problems.

What to do if a tooth erupts from the back of the tooth?

Tooth eruption from behind the tooth is a condition that requires early intervention. There are several steps to be taken to protect oral health and prevent bigger problems. Here are the basic steps to take in this situation:

Getting Expert Opinion

When a tooth erupts from the back of the tooth, the first step is to consult a dentist. The specialist will evaluate the situation, provide information about the position of the teeth and create the appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention will prevent problems from escalating.

Treatment Methods

The treatment process varies depending on the severity of the problem and the condition of the teeth. The most common treatment methods are the following:

Orthodontic treatment: Braces or clear aligners can be used to align the teeth.
Tooth Extraction: If the problem is caused by a milk tooth falling out too late, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to make the teeth erupt properly.

These steps will help to effectively solve the problem of tooth eruption from behind the tooth.

Can tooth eruption on top of a tooth be prevented?

Tooth eruption on the top or back of the tooth is usually caused by genetic factors, problems in the jaw structure and lack of oral care habits. Although it is difficult to prevent this situation completely, the likelihood of the problem can be reduced by taking some precautions and early interventions. Regular dental check-ups during childhood can help detect such problems early.

The dentist can monitor the healthy loss of deciduous teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth in the correct position. In this way, orthodontic problems that may occur later in life can be solved early. It is also very important to pay attention to oral hygiene.

Basic care habits such as regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash support the healthy eruption of teeth. It is also important not to interfere with the natural order in which teeth erupt, as early tooth extraction can disrupt the alignment of permanent teeth. In conclusion, although such problems cannot be completely avoided, they can be prevented with regular care and early treatment.

What should be considered?

There are a few important points to consider in order to avoid a teeth on top or behind the tooth. First, regular dentist controls are important. Your dentist can follow your teeth at an early stage and start the necessary treatment immediately. In addition, taking care of oral hygiene is of great importance.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss and supporting cleaning with mouth mouthwash helps to develop the teeth in a healthy way. It is necessary to wait for the milk teeth to fall at the right times and to avoid early tooth extracts, because this may affect the output of the permanent teeth.

In addition, bad habits such as finger sucking or tooth grinding in childhood may prevent the proper exit of the teeth. These habits should be eliminated and the right nutrition should be taken for the healthy development of the oral structure.