Deciduous tooth

Deciduous tooth also known as baby tooth, milk tooth, primary tooth, or temporary tooth are the first set of teeth in the growth development of humans and many other mammals. They develop during the embryonic stage of development and erupt—that is, they become visible in the mouth—during infancy. They are usually lost and replaced by permanent teeth, but in the absence of permanent replacements, they can remain functional for many years.

Development

Deciduous teeth start to form during the embryo stage of pregnancy. The development of deciduous teeth starts at the sixth week of development as the dental lamina. This process starts at the midline and then spreads back into the posterior region. By the time the embryo is eight weeks old, there are ten buds on the upper and lower arches that will eventually become the deciduous teeth.

Eruption

Deciduous teeth erupt into the mouth from around six months until two years of age. These teeth are the only ones in the mouth until a person is about six years old. At that time, the first permanent tooth erupts. This stage of development is known as the mixed dentition stage as both deciduous and permanent teeth are in the mouth at the same time.

Function

Deciduous teeth are essential in the development of the oral cavity. The permanent teeth replacements develop from the same tooth germ as the deciduous teeth. They are necessary for the normal development of the oral cavity and face, and hold space in the jaws for the future permanent teeth.

Loss

Deciduous teeth are typically lost in the same order they were gained. This process usually begins around age six and continues until age twelve. The root of the deciduous tooth dissolves as the permanent tooth pushes through the gum. The deciduous tooth eventually falls out, and the permanent tooth takes its place.

See also

• Dental anatomy
• Tooth development
• Tooth eruption

References

Deciduous tooth Resources
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