In the maxillary primary dentition, which tooth typically erupts first?

Study for the Pediatric Dentistry II Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

In the maxillary primary dentition, the front teeth come in before the back ones, and within the front group the central incisors are the earliest to erupt. The tooth germs for the upper central incisors develop early and have a relatively straightforward eruption path, allowing them to break through the gum line around the first year of life. They establish the anterior arch and midline, which is why they’re the first to appear in the upper jaw. After them, the lateral incisors typically erupt, followed by the first molars, canines, and then the second molars. While individual timing can vary, this front-to-back, central-first pattern is most common in children.