primary tooth

Primary teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, baby teeth, or milk teeth, are the first set of teeth in young mammals, including humans. Humans typically have 20 primary teeth, which begin to appear around six months after birth and are fully developed by age 2.5. These teeth are smaller, whiter, and more prone to wear than permanent teeth, with larger pulp chambers and smaller roots.12

Primary teeth play a crucial role in chewing and speech development. They also guide the eruption of permanent teeth. Shedding of primary teeth begins around age 5 or 6 and is completed by age 13 as permanent teeth emerge. The primary dentition consists of four incisors, two canines, and four molars in each jaw.2