Which teeth erupt first in children?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

The first teeth to appear in infants are the primary incisors.
Specifically, the lower central incisors are the very first, typically erupting between 6 to 10 months of age.
These are followed by the upper central incisors, and then the lateral incisors, completing the set of eight incisors by around 16 months.

Option B: The first primary molars erupt much later than the incisors, typically between 13 and 19 months of age.
Option C: The primary canines (cuspids) erupt after both the incisors and the first molars, usually between 16 and 23 months.
Option D: Premolars (bicuspids) are completely absent in the primary (deciduous) dentition of children.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Eruption sequence of primary (deciduous) teeth as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating parents about teething, including signs of discomfort (irritability, drooling, gum rubbing) and safe management strategies like chilled teething rings or gentle gum massage.
It is crucial to advise parents to avoid topical numbing agents containing benzocaine due to the risk of methemoglobinemia, a serious blood disorder in infants.
What if? If a child has no teeth by 18 months, it is considered delayed eruption. The nurse should recommend a dental or pediatric consultation to rule out underlying nutritional, systemic, or endocrine issues.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about a key developmental milestone in infants.
Identify the core of the question: 'which teeth erupt first'.
Recall the standard sequence of primary tooth eruption.
The general order is: Central Incisors, Lateral Incisors, First Molars, Canines, and finally Second Molars.
Based on this sequence, Incisors are the first group of teeth to erupt.
Eliminate the other options based on their later position in the eruption timeline and the fact that premolars are not part of the primary set at all.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 89-91

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

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.