Question

Which term is used to describe the period when both primary teeth and permanent teeth are present at the same time in the oral cavity?

1) Mixed dentition
2) Deciduous dentition
3) Permanent dentition
4) Primary dentition

Answer 1

The term for the period when both primary and permanent teeth exist together is 'mixed dentition', typically occurring between ages 6 and 12 during middle childhood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term used to describe the period when both primary teeth and permanent teeth are present at the same time in the oral cavity is mixed dentition. Mixed dentition occurs during a phase in middle childhood, generally between the ages of 6 and 12, as the baby (deciduous) teeth are gradually replaced by permanent ones. In the early stages of this period, a child's smile might show a combination of both sets, reflecting the ongoing transition from deciduous to permanent dentition.

This period is marked by the natural progression of tooth development, signaling the maturation of the oral cavity. Understanding the dynamics of mixed dentition is crucial for dental professionals and parents alike, as it influences oral care practices and facilitates the monitoring of proper dental development in children.