Temporary teeth begin to erupt at the age of?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2021

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2021

Explanation

The eruption of the first temporary (deciduous) teeth typically begins at approximately 6 months of age.
The first teeth to emerge are usually the mandibular (lower) central incisors.
This process marks the beginning of the primary dentition period, which continues until all 20 primary teeth have erupted by about 2.5 to 3 years of age.
The timing can vary slightly among infants, but 6 months is the average and most widely accepted milestone.

Option A: By 1 year (12 months) of age, an infant has typically already started teething and usually has several teeth (around 6-8), including the central and lateral incisors. Therefore, this is not the age when teeth begin to erupt.
Option B: While '1/2 year' is numerically equivalent to '6 months', in the context of developmental milestones and medical terminology, '6 months' is the standard and more precise term used. In multiple-choice questions, the most standard and specific answer is preferred.
Option D: At 2 years (24 months) of age, a child has most of their primary teeth, including incisors, canines, and first molars. Eruption is well underway, and the second molars are beginning to emerge to complete the set.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the normal developmental milestone for the eruption of primary (deciduous) teeth in infants as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating parents about teething, including signs (irritability, drooling, gum rubbing) and management strategies (cold teething rings, gentle gum massage).
It is crucial to advise parents against using topical benzocaine gels due to the risk of methemoglobinemia, a serious blood disorder.
A significant delay in eruption (e.g., no teeth by 13-18 months) warrants a referral to a pediatrician or pediatric dentist to investigate potential underlying causes like nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, or genetic syndromes.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of a fundamental pediatric developmental milestone.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Temporary teeth' (also known as primary or deciduous teeth) and 'begin to erupt'.
Recall the typical age for the very first tooth to appear. This is a common milestone checked during well-baby visits.
Evaluate the given options. '1 year' and '2 years' are too late for the start of teething. The process begins in the first year of life.
Compare '1/2 year' and '6 months'. Both represent the same time frame, but '6 months' is the standard, more specific terminology used in pediatrics.
Select '6 months' as the most accurate and standard answer for this developmental milestone.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the normal developmental milestone for the eruption of primary (deciduous) teeth in infants.
Stem keywords: Temporary teeth, erupt, age
Lead-in keywords: begin to erupt

Qn78oV4ZSDzJBFFw2OYJi7

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 16-18

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 220-222

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 90-92