Which of the following permanent teeth would you expect to be erupted in the average 9- to 10-year-old?
a. Maxillary lateral incisor
b. Maxillary central incisor
c. Mandibular canine
d. Maxillary canine
e. Mandibular second molar
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is a. Maxillary lateral incisor.
At the average age of 9 to 10 years, the following general eruption timeline for permanent teeth is observed:
- Maxillary central incisors typically erupt around 7 to 8 years of age.
- Maxillary lateral incisors usually erupt around 8 to 9 years of age, which places their eruption at the typical range for a 9- to 10-year-old.
- Mandibular canines tend to erupt later, generally between 9 and 10 years, but this can vary.
- Maxillary canines usually erupt between 11 and 12 years, making it too late for a typical 9- to 10-year-old.
- Mandibular second molars generally erupt between 11 and 13 years, so they would not be expected to erupt in a 9- to 10-year-old.
The eruption of permanent teeth follows a predictable sequence, and the timing can vary slightly among individuals. However, by the time a child reaches 9 to 10 years of age, most children have already had their maxillary central incisors and maxillary lateral incisors erupt, while other teeth, like the canines and second molars, are still in the process of erupting.
Therefore, the maxillary lateral incisors are typically the teeth that are expected to be erupted in an average 9- to 10-year-old, making option (a) the correct answer.
This timing can vary based on factors such as genetics, nutrition, and overall health, but the general eruption timeline serves as a reliable guideline in most children. Regular dental check-ups during these years are important to ensure that the teeth are developing properly.