Paediatric dentistry: primary tooth eruption: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Paediatric dentistry: primary tooth eruption

Sample item

Which is the first deciduous tooth to erupt, usually at about 6 months?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Mandibular central incisor

The mandibular central incisors usually erupt first at about 6 months, followed by the maxillary central incisors at 7 to 8 months. First molars appear around 12 to 16 months and canines around 16 to 20 months.

Option by option

  • A. Mandibular central incisor (correct)

    Correct. Lower central incisors lead.

  • B. Mandibular first molar

    First molars erupt around the end of the first year.

  • C. Maxillary central incisor

    The maxillary central incisor follows at 7 to 8 months.

  • D. Maxillary canine

    Canines erupt after the first molars.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Mandibular central incisor. The mandibular central incisors usually erupt first at about 6 months, followed by the maxillary central incisors at 7 to 8 months.

Why is "Mandibular first molar" not the answer?

First molars erupt around the end of the first year.

Why is "Maxillary central incisor" not the answer?

The maxillary central incisor follows at 7 to 8 months.

Why is "Maxillary canine" not the answer?

Canines erupt after the first molars.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric dentistry: primary tooth eruption in Dentistry. First molars appear around 12 to 16 months and canines around 16 to 20 months.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric dentistry: primary tooth eruption?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.