**Question:** The teeth that are present at the time of birth are called as
A. Deciduous (Milk) Teeth
B. Permanent Teeth
C. Wisdom Teeth
D. Anterior Open Bite
**Core Concept:**
At birth, humans are born without teeth, and they only start to erupt in the first few months to years of life. The teeth that are present at birth are known as deciduous or milk teeth. These teeth are temporary structures that will eventually be replaced by the permanent teeth during childhood and adolescence.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Deciduous teeth are vital for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a space for the permanent teeth to grow into, ensuring proper eruption and alignment when they come in. Secondly, they function to aid in chewing, speech, and maintaining space for the permanent teeth. In humans, there are 20 deciduous teeth, which are smaller and have different shapes compared to permanent teeth.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
1. Permanent teeth (Option B) are not present at birth and will erupt later in life, after the deciduous teeth have fallen out.
2. Wisdom teeth (Option C) are usually the last to erupt and only become problematic when they cause issues like overcrowding or impacted eruption. They are not present at birth.
3. Anterior open bite (Option D) is a dental misalignment issue and does not pertain to the types of teeth present at birth.
**Clinical Pearl:**
Understanding the presence of deciduous teeth at birth is crucial for both pediatricians and dentists as it helps them monitor the timing and progress of tooth eruption and address any potential concerns related to dental health and development.
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