When it is said...

Primary Teeth

Primary teeth, dentes lactei, also known as the first dentition, are the temporary set of teeth. The first tooth usually begins to erupt at around 6 months of age, with the last primary tooth erupting by approximately 30 months. The primary dentition consists of 20 teeth. The upper and lower incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt.

The gums may become slightly red, swollen and sore, and a raised temperature may also occur. The child may cry more frequently. Special teething rings, which can be cooled in the refrigerator before use, can help relieve discomfort.

From around 5–6 years of age, the primary teeth gradually begin to be replaced by the permanent dentition (dentes permanentes). As the permanent teeth develop and erupt, they gradually resorb the roots of the primary teeth. The roots eventually disappear, causing the primary teeth to become loose and fall out, leaving only the crown and neck.

Development of the Permanent Dentition

The permanent dentition develops up to approximately 10–12 years of age. Wisdom teeth may erupt between the ages of 15 and 25. From the perspective of modern human needs, these teeth are largely unnecessary, and some people never develop them at all. They can often cause problems, as their eruption may be painful and they are prone to tooth decay.

The permanent dentition consists of 32 teeth.