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Definition

noun, plural: deciduous teeth

Any from the first set of teeth in many young mammals and humans that are shed and replaced by a second set of permanent teeth.

Supplement

This first set of teeth develops during the embryonic phase. In humans, these teeth begin to erupt during infancy, usually between 6 to 12 months of age. A total of twenty deciduous teeth erupt in the mouth. The primary set of teeth is comprised of:

• 4 Central incisors
• 4 Lateral incisors
• 4 Cuspids
• 4 First molars
• 4 Second molars

These teeth eventually fall off and are replaced by permanent teeth, typically, by age of six.

Word origin: Latin dēciduus (tending to fall, falling).

Synonyms:

• dens deciduus
• milk tooth
• primary tooth
• temporary tooth
• baby tooth

Compare: permanent tooth
See also: primary dentition, natal tooth, neonatal tooth