What kind of teeth are also referred to as “deciduous teeth”?

Deciduous teeth, commonly known as "milk teeth," are the first set of teeth that develop in children. These teeth typically begin to emerge around six months of age and usually fall out by the age of 12, making way for permanent adult teeth. The term "deciduous" refers to the fact that these teeth are temporary; they are eventually shed as the child's mouth grows and develops.

Milk teeth play an essential role in helping children chew food, form words, and maintain the proper spacing for the eventual emergence of permanent teeth. Their presence is crucial for a child's oral health and development. In contrast, wisdom teeth are a later development and not classified as deciduous, while incisors and canines are types of permanent teeth that come after the milk teeth have fallen out. Therefore, choosing the term "milk teeth" accurately identifies the deciduous teeth due to their temporary nature and role in early childhood.