Deciduous teeth Flashcards
1.
Total set of 20 teeth, 10 in each jaw
2.
they begin developing in the jaws of the early embryo, around 6 weeks after conception
3.
they are referred to in dentistry by letter - A B C D E - starting from midline of the jaw
4.
they are smaller than permanent teeth + whiter in colour
5.
their roots are resorbed by the underlying permanent teeth, as the deciduous teeth gradually loosen + fall out - this is called exfoliation
6.
the roots of the molars are splayed out to accommodate the presence of the underlying permanent premolar teeth, so the roots are described as divergent
7.
they have a larger pulp chamber than the permanent teeth with thinner enamel which makes them more prone to development of dental caries
8.
they begin erupting at around 6 months of age + are usually all present by 29 months, although individual variation does occur
9.
the five deciduous teeth present in each quadrant are central + lateral incisors, the canine + the first + second molars. there are no premolars
10.
the three roots of the upper molars are arranged as a tripod, with developing permanent premolars lying within this area, while the two roots of the lower molars lie one in front of the other
11.
the usually eruption pattern is lower central incisors first, followed by other incisors, then the first molars followed by the canines, + finally second molars.
12.
the dentine begins changing again about 6 years of age, when permeant teeth begin to erupt
