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MANAV RACHNA DENTAL COLLEGE
TOPIC -
DECIDIOUS DENTITION
SUBMITTED BY - NIHARIKA TYAGI
(BDS- 2023- 59)
Deciduous Dentition General Characteristics Deciduous dentition, also known as primary teeth or baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that develop in humans. These teeth are essential for early childhood development, playing a critical role in the ability to chew, speak, and maintain space for the eventual eruption of permanent teeth. Key Characteristics:
- Total Number: There are 20 deciduous teeth, 10 in the upper jaw (maxilla) and 10 in the lower jaw (mandible).
- Types: These include incisors (8), canines (4), and molars (8). There are no premolars in the deciduous set.
- Smaller Size: Deciduous teeth are generally smaller in size compared to their permanent counterparts.
- Whiter Appearance: They tend to be whiter due to a higher enamel thickness and different enamel composition.
- Thinner Enamel and Dentin: This makes them more susceptible to caries but easier to repair in some respects.
Eruption Sequence
The eruption sequence of deciduous teeth is relatively predictable, typically occurring in pairs. The general order is as follows:
- Central Incisors: Lower central incisors usually erupt first (6- months), followed by the upper central incisors (8-12 months).
- Lateral Incisors: These follow the central incisors, with lower laterals erupting around 10-16 months and upper laterals around 9-13 months.
- Enamel and Dentin: Primary teeth have thinner enamel and dentin layers.
- Root Structure: The roots of primary teeth are shorter and more divergent to accommodate the developing permanent teeth beneath them.
Functional Differences:
- Chewing Efficiency: Permanent teeth are more efficient at chewing due to their larger size and stronger structure.
- Longevity: Permanent teeth are designed to last a lifetime, whereas primary teeth are temporary.
Characteristics of Anterior and Posterior Deciduous Teeth
Anterior Teeth:
- Central Incisors: Smaller and more rounded compared to permanent incisors. The upper central incisors are the largest among the anterior primary teeth.
- Lateral Incisors: Slightly smaller and more tapered than the central incisors.
- Canines: Pointed and robust, playing a key role in tearing food.
Posterior Teeth:
- First Molars: Broad and flat, essential for grinding food. They have three cusps on the upper and four on the lower molars.
- Second Molars: Larger than the first molars, with more complex occlusal surfaces for efficient grinding.
Formation
The formation of deciduous teeth begins in utero. The development process includes:
- Initiation: Begins around the 6th week of fetal development with the formation of the dental lamina.
- Bud Stage: By the 8th week, tooth buds form, representing the early stages of tooth development.
- Cap Stage: Around the 9th to 10th week, the enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental follicle form.
- Bell Stage: By the 14th week, the enamel and dentin begin to form, leading to the development of tooth shape.
- Crown Formation: Hard tissues (enamel and dentin) form first, followed by root development post-eruption.
Clinical Correlation
Understanding the development and characteristics of deciduous teeth is critical for paediatric dental care. Key clinical correlations include:
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Deciduous teeth are more susceptible to decay due to thinner enamel and dentin. Preventive care, including fluoride treatments and dietary counselling, is essential.
- Space Maintainers: If a primary tooth is lost prematurely, space maintainers may be necessary to ensure proper alignment of permanent teeth.
- Malocclusion: Early identification and intervention can prevent long- term orthodontic issues.
- Pulp Therapy: Due to the large pulp chambers in primary teeth, infections can progress quickly, necessitating prompt treatment such as pulpotomies or pulpectomies.