Question

Human milk teeth set has the dental formula $\frac{\mathrm{2.1.0.2}}{\mathrm{2.1.0.2}}\times 2=20$. Explain.

Answer 1

Humans have the diphyodont dentition that means, there are two sets of teeth that form in the life cycle. These are the milk teeth and permanent teeth. Milk teeth are deciduous and are replaced by the permanent teeth. Milk teeth are 20 in number. Premolars and third molars are not present in milk teeth set. For writing the dental formula, upper and lower half of the jaws are considered. There are 2 incisors, 1 canine, 0 premolars and 2 molars in upper and lower half. When multiplied by two, the whole upper jaw and lower jaw would be considered. Hence, the dental formula for milk teeth can be written as

$\frac{\mathrm{2.1.0.2}}{\mathrm{2.1.0.2}}\times 2=20$