What are deciduous teeth?

Deciduous teeth, also known as "primary teeth" or "baby teeth," are the first set of teeth that humans develop. They assist children with chewing, speaking, and smiling. Deciduous teeth begin to develop in utero and erupt in the mouth throughout the first few years of a child's life. Most children have a complete set of 20 deciduous teeth by age 3, which consist of:

Central incisors: The four front teeth in the center of the upper and lower jaws.

Lateral incisors: The four teeth next to the central incisors in the upper and lower jaws.

Canines: The four pointed teeth, one on each side of the upper and lower jaws.

First and second molars: The eight back teeth in the upper and lower jaws, used for chewing and grinding.

These teeth serve critical functions, such as:

Biting and chewing food: Deciduous teeth allow children to eat solid foods and gradually transition from breastfeeding or formula to a more varied diet.

Speech development: The teeth's structure helps with proper pronunciation of certain sounds.

Smile and appearance: Healthy and well-aligned primary teeth contribute to a child's smile and confidence.

Placeholder function: Deciduous teeth hold the space in the jaws for the eventual eruption of permanent teeth.

Stimulate bone growth: Deciduous teeth encourage jawbone growth, influencing the overall shape of the face.

Usually, deciduous teeth begin to fall out around age 6 or 7 and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth, a process called "shedding." This continues until all 32 permanent teeth have erupted, usually by late adolescence or early adulthood. Proper care of primary teeth is crucial for the oral health of children and can impact the development of permanent teeth.