Primary teeth

Primary teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, baby teeth or milk teeth, 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

Primary teeth start to form during the embryo phase of pregnancy. The development of primary teeth starts at the sixth week of tooth 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 primary teeth.

Eruption

The primary teeth begin to erupt approximately at six months of age. Usually, the first teeth to come in are almost always the lower anterior teeth, and they are usually the first teeth to exfoliate. This process continues until approximately age twenty-one, when the last primary tooth, the third molar, exfoliates and is replaced by the permanent third molar.

Function

Primary teeth are essential for development of the mouth. The muscles of the jaw and the formation of the jaw bones depend on the primary teeth in order to maintain the proper space for permanent teeth. The roots of primary teeth provide an opening for the permanent teeth to erupt. These teeth are also essential in the development of the child's ability to chew food and speak properly.

Exfoliation

The process of shedding primary teeth and their replacement by permanent teeth is called exfoliation. This may start as early as age four or as late as age seven. Usually, the primary teeth are lost in the same order as they were gained.

See also

• Dentition
• Tooth development
• Tooth eruption

Primary teeth Resources
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