The =deciduous=, temporary, or “milk” =teeth= (Dentes decidui) are
smaller and fewer than those of the permanent set. The formula is:
( 3 0 3 )
2 ( Di - Dc - Dp - ) = 24.
( 3 0 3 )
The =deciduous incisors= are much smaller than the permanent ones. They
have a distinct =neck= at the junction of the crown and root. The
=crown= is short, white in color, and its labial surface is smooth. The
=infundibulum= is shallow. The =root= is flattened; it undergoes
absorption as the permanent tooth develops behind it.
The =deciduous canines= are quite vestigial. They occur in both sexes as
slender spiculæ about a quarter of an inch in length, but do not erupt.
The lower one develops close to the corner incisor. They are not usually
included in the formula, as they are never functional.
The =deciduous cheek teeth= differ from the permanent set chiefly in
that they have much shorter crowns than the latter. The roots form
early, so that a distinct neck occurs.
The subjoined table indicates the average periods of the eruption of the
teeth: