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Deciduous Teeth

dentes decidui

The deciduous teeth (baby or milk teeth) are the first set of 20 teeth: in each quarter two incisors, one canine and two molars. They begin erupting at around 6 months, usually with the lower central incisors, and are complete by about 2-3 years. They are shed between about 6 and 12 years as the permanent teeth erupt beneath them.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Supply

Location	In the jaws of infants and children, in the same arches later occupied by the permanent teeth
Parts	Central incisors Lateral incisors Canines First molars Second molars
Nerve Supply	Superior alveolar nerves (upper); Inferior alveolar nerve (lower)
Blood Supply	Superior alveolar arteries; Inferior alveolar artery
Venous drainage	Alveolar veins to the pterygoid venous plexus
Lymphatic drainage	Submandibular nodes Submental nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Allow chewing and speech in early childhood and hold space in the jaws to guide the permanent teeth into position.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Baby teeth have thinner enamel and relatively larger pulps than permanent teeth, so decay spreads quickly to the nerve. Early loss of a baby molar lets neighbouring teeth drift and can crowd the permanent successors. An avulsed baby tooth should not be replanted because this can damage the developing permanent tooth.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Early Childhood Caries

Rapid decay of baby teeth, often linked to frequent sugary drinks or bottle feeding at night, starting on the upper incisors.

Trauma to Primary Teeth

Injury to baby teeth from falls, which can discolour the tooth and may disturb the enamel of the permanent tooth developing beneath.

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