HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does mixed dentition refer to?

1. Presence of only permanent teeth

2. Presence of both primary and permanent teeth

3. Presence of only primary teeth

4. Absence of teeth in the dental arch

The correct answer is: Presence of both primary and permanent teeth

Mixed dentition refers to the stage in dental development where both primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth are present in the mouth. This transitional period typically occurs in children between the ages of 6 to 12 years, starting when the first permanent molars erupt and leading up to the loss of the last baby teeth. During this time, children will have a combination of the smaller, often whiter primary teeth alongside the larger and more robust permanent teeth, which helps accommodate the growth of the jaws and the eventual replacement of primary teeth with permanent ones. Understanding this concept is crucial for dental professionals as it influences various aspects of treatment planning, orthodontic considerations, and overall oral health care for children.