Final answer:
Deciduous teeth, also called baby teeth, are the first set of 20 teeth that form in early childhood and are replaced by permanent teeth. These include eight incisors for biting and four canines for tearing. The transition to permanent teeth typically occurs between age 6 and 12, with wisdom teeth emerging later.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth, are the first set of 20 teeth that emerge during infancy and early childhood. These teeth are eventually lost and replaced by permanent teeth during middle childhood. There are different types of deciduous teeth, each serving a unique purpose:
- The eight incisors, with four on the top and four on the bottom, are sharp teeth used for biting into food.
- The four canines, also called cuspids, are fang-like teeth that flank the incisors. They have a pointed edge to tear up food and are excellent for piercing tough or fleshy foods.
- The remaining teeth that develop during this period include the molars which are used for crushing and grinding food.
Typically, the deciduous teeth begin to fall out around age six and are replaced by permanent teeth up until about 12 years of age. The first to fall out are generally the incisors, followed by canines and molars. Middle childhood is a significant time for dental development, as most of the permanent teeth emerge during this period, which includes the premolars and the second set of molars. The third molars, or wisdom teeth, usually emerge much later in late adolescence or early adulthood.