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Questions and Answers

At what ages are primary teeth typically exfoliated and replaced by permanent teeth?

5-12 years

4-10 years

7-14 years

6-13 years (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of primary teeth compared to permanent teeth?

Primary teeth are whiter

Primary teeth are smaller

Primary teeth have mammelons (correct)

Primary teeth exfoliate

What is the typical eruption age for the lower primary molars?

12-16 months (correct)

16-20 months

2-2.5 years

6-8 months

Which of the following is a common sign of teething?

Flushed cheeks Signup and view all the answers

How does the enamel of primary teeth differ from that of permanent teeth?

Permanent teeth have thicker enamel Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of premature loss of a primary tooth?

Ectopic eruption of a permanent tooth Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain primary teeth until they naturally fall out?

They help maintain spacing for permanent teeth Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may indicate problems with primary dentition?

Crowding of permanent teeth Signup and view all the answers

What could be a direct result of trauma to primary incisors?

Developmental disorders in permanent successors Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes primary dentition from permanent dentition?

Primary teeth have shallower roots Signup and view all the answers

During which period do primary teeth typically begin to erupt?

6 months to 1 year Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of teething in infants?

Irritability and fussiness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the primary dentition?

Directly influencing large motor skills Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with enamel hypoplasia or opacities in children?

Amelogenesis Imperfecta Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of enamel hypoplasia?

Increased risk for early childhood caries Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to developmental enamel defects?

Improper dental hygiene Signup and view all the answers

How does the appearance of enamel defects vary?

Depends on stage of development when disruption occurred Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of defective enamel?

Thinner and more acid-sensitive Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common misbelief about developmental enamel defects?

They are always inherited Signup and view all the answers

What role does the timing of disruption play in enamel development?

It determines the extent and appearance of defects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of enamel hypoplasia?

Uniform thickness throughout Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Primary Dentition Importance

Primary teeth are crucial for:
- Space maintenance: Essential for the correct eruption of permanent teeth.
- Speech development: Assist in correct articulation and pronunciation.
- Chewing and digestion: Enable proper food breakdown.
- Esthetics: Contribute to facial appearance and self-confidence.

Premature Loss of Primary Teeth

Premature loss of primary teeth can lead to:
- Spontaneous drifting of adjacent teeth into the space.
- Delay of eruption of permanent successor.
- Ectopic eruption of permanent tooth.
- Malocclusion.
- Crowding.

Trauma to Primary Teeth

Trauma to primary teeth can cause sequelae in permanent successors.
Lenzi et al. (2014) reviewed 18 studies and found that those with primary incisor trauma had an increased incidence of developmental disorders in permanent teeth.
The younger the child at the time of trauma, the more severe the damage to the permanent teeth.

Primary vs Permanent dentition

Main differences:
- Number: Primary dentition has 20 teeth, while permanent has 32.
- Size: Primary teeth are smaller than permanent teeth.
- Color: Primary teeth are whiter.
- Premolars: Primary dentition lacks premolars, while permanent dentition has 8.
- Exfoliate: Primary teeth exfoliate (fall out) and are replaced by permanent teeth between the ages of 6-13 years.
Secondary differences:
- Enamel: Primary teeth enamel is thinner and less resistant to wear.
- Roots: Primary teeth roots are shorter and more conical.
- Pulp: Primary teeth pulp chamber is larger and more prominent.

Primary Dentition Eruption Dates

Primary first and second molars are replaced by permanent first and second premolars.
Primary incisors and canines are replaced by permanent successors.
Eruption pattern:
- Lower central incisors: 6 months.
- Lower lateral incisors: 7 months.
- Upper central incisors: 7.5 months.
- Upper lateral incisors: 8-9 months.
- Upper first molars: 12-16 months.
- Lower first molars: 12-16 months.
- Upper canines: 16-20 months.
- Lower canines: 16-20 months.
- Upper second molars: 2-2.5 years.
- Lower second molars: 2-2.5 years.

Teething

Signs of teething:
- Flushed cheeks.
- Red and sore gums where teeth are erupting.
- Excessive drooling.
- Biting and chewing on objects.
- Irritability.
- Rubbing ears.

Conditions Affecting Primary Dentition

Hypoplasia of enamel: May occur in preterm children.
Amelogenesis imperfecta: A genetic disorder that affects enamel development.
Developmental enamel defects:
- Present as enamel hypoplasia or opacities.
- Caused by damage or disruption to developing enamel.
- Defective enamel is thinner, more plaque retentive, and less resistant to acid attack.

Developmental Enamel Defects

Increased risk of early childhood caries and tooth wear.
Appearance of defect depends on the stage of development when disruption occurred, extent, and duration of the disruption.
Various causes include inherited and acquired conditions.