Primary Teeth

The teeth develop in sockets within the aveolar processes of the mandibular and maxillary bones. Teeth are unique structures in that two sets form during development. The members of the first set, the "primary" or "deciduous teeth," usually erupt through the gums (gingiva) at regular intervals between the ages of six months and two and one-half years. There are twenty deciduous teeth - ten in each jaw - and they occur from the midline of the mouth toward the side in the following sequence: central incisor (front teeth), lateral incisor, cuspid (canine), first molar (used for grinding) and second molar. The deciduous teeth usually are shed in the same order they appeared. Before this happens, though, their roots are reabsorbed. The teeth are pushed out of their sockets by pressure from the developing "secondary" or "permanent" teeth.