Deciduous Dentition
Definition
The first set of 20 teeth, also called primary or milk teeth, that erupt from approximately six months and are progressively replaced by permanent teeth from around age six. The deciduous set has its own morphology, smaller root trunks, and characteristic radiographic appearance.
- Total teeth
- 20
- Eruption period
- 6-8 months to 2-3 years
- Other names
- Primary teeth, milk teeth
- Replacement begins
- Around age six
Common questions
How many teeth are in deciduous dentition and when do they appear?+
Deciduous dentition has 20 teeth total. The first tooth typically erupts around 6 to 8 months of age, and the complete set is established by 2 to 3 years old.
What is the dental formula for deciduous dentition?+
The deciduous dental formula is 2.1.0.2 per quadrant. This means each quarter of the mouth has 2 incisors, 1 canine, no premolars, and 2 molars. This differs from permanent dentition, which includes premolars.
When are deciduous teeth replaced and how do they differ from permanent teeth?+
Deciduous teeth are progressively replaced by permanent teeth beginning around age six. Primary teeth have smaller root structures and a distinctive appearance on X-rays that differs from permanent teeth.
Related terms
- ABFO No.2 Scale
- L-shaped photographic reference scale issued by the American Board of Forensic Odontology, placed beside bite-marks before forensic photography to permit 1:1 overlay...
- Cameriere Method (2007)
- Adult age estimation using the pulp-to-tooth area ratio measured on periapical radiographs of canines.
- Canine
- Single-cusped tooth for tearing and gripping. One per quadrant. Often the last anterior tooth to be lost in old age.
- Cementum
- A thin, bone-like mineralised tissue that covers the external surface of the tooth root. Deposited incrementally throughout life in alternating translucent and...
- Cheiloscopy
- Study of lip prints (Greek cheilos, lip; skopein, to examine). The furrow system on human lips was first described by anthropologist R....
- Crown
- The visible portion of a tooth above the gum line, covered by enamel. In forensic charting, crown morphology, restorations, and wear patterns...
- Demirjian Method (1973)
- Childhood age estimation using radiographic stage-scoring (A to H, eight stages) of the seven permanent left mandibular teeth.
- Dental Formula
- Per-quadrant notation of tooth types in the order Incisors.Canines.Premolars.Molars. Human deciduous 2.1.0.2, permanent 2.1.2.3.
- Dentine
- The mineralised tissue forming the bulk of the tooth, surrounding the pulp chamber and root canal. Contains a network of dentinal tubules,...
- Enamel
- The outermost layer of the tooth crown, formed by ameloblasts before tooth eruption. Composed of approximately 96% hydroxyapatite mineral by weight. Acellular...
- Gustafson Method (1950)
- Adult age estimation using six histological and morphological criteria (Attrition, Periodontosis, Secondary dentine, Cementum apposition, Root resorption, Transparency of root), each scored...
- Incisor
- Chisel-shaped anterior tooth for cutting. Two per quadrant (central and lateral) in both dentitions.
Explained in these topics
- Dental Anatomy: Morphology, Tissues and the ArchesThe first set of 20 teeth, also called primary or milk teeth, that erupt from approximately six months and are progressively replaced by permanent teeth from a...
- Human Dentition: Types of Teeth, Age Estimation and Bite MarksFirst (milk, primary) set of 20 teeth. Eruption begins around 6 to 8 months, complete by 2 to 3 years. Dental formula 2.1.0.2 per quadrant.