Deciduous teeth are the first set of teeth that develop in humans and many mammals, commonly called “baby teeth” or “milk teeth.” They play a crucial role in early childhood development, chewing, speech, and guiding the eruption of permanent teeth.
🌍 Definition
- Deciduous Teeth: The temporary set of teeth that erupt in infancy and are later replaced by permanent teeth.
- Terminology: Also known as primary teeth, milk teeth, or baby teeth.
- Number: Humans typically develop 20 deciduous teeth (10 in each jaw).
🔑 Characteristics
- Eruption: Usually begin appearing around 6 months of age, continuing until about 2–3 years.
- Shedding: Start to fall out around age 6, replaced by permanent teeth through adolescence.
- Structure: Smaller, whiter, and thinner enamel compared to permanent teeth.
- Function:
- Enable chewing and nutrition in early childhood.
- Aid in speech development.
- Maintain space in the jaw for permanent teeth.
📚 Anthropological & Biological Significance
- Growth Markers: Timing of eruption and loss is used to estimate age in bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology.
- Cultural Practices: Tooth loss often tied to rituals, folklore (e.g., “tooth fairy”).
- Evolutionary Biology: Deciduous dentition reflects mammalian adaptation for early feeding.
- Health Indicators: Patterns of wear, cavities, or enamel defects provide clues about childhood diet and stress.
🛠 Examples
- Dental Formula (Human Deciduous Teeth):
- Upper jaw: 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 molars (per side).
- Lower jaw: 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 molars (per side).
- Total = 20 teeth.
- Archaeological Use: Deciduous teeth found in burials help determine child mortality rates and health.
- Comparative Mammalogy: Many mammals also have deciduous teeth, though patterns vary by species.
✨ Summary
Deciduous teeth are the first, temporary set of 20 teeth in humans, essential for early nutrition, speech, and jaw development. They are later replaced by permanent dentition and serve as important markers in anthropology, archaeology, and medicine.
