Chart of primary teeth
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Chart of Primary Teeth: An Overview
Introduction to Primary Teeth Notation Systems
MICAP Notation System for Primary Teeth
The MICAP notation system is a novel approach to identifying primary teeth, using letters to denote tooth types (M for molar, I for incisor, C for canine, and P for premolar) and numbers to indicate specific teeth. This system has been tested among undergraduate dental students and dental health professionals, showing promising results in accurately identifying and charting primary teeth1 3. Approximately 80% of students correctly identified teeth using the MICAP format, with clinical students performing better than pre-clinical students1. Dental professionals, including specialists and dental hygienists, also demonstrated a high level of accuracy in using the MICAP system3.
Traditional Tooth Numbering Systems
Traditional systems for numbering primary teeth include the Universal Numbering System, which uses uppercase letters A through T to identify the 20 primary teeth, starting from the right maxillary second molar and following around the arch5. This system is widely used and familiar to many dental professionals.
Morphological Data of Primary Teeth
Measurement Techniques
Recent studies have utilized advanced digital techniques to measure the morphological data of primary teeth. In northwest China, researchers used electronic digital Vernier calipers and intraoral scanners to measure the mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters, as well as the crown length of primary teeth2. These measurements were found to be reliable and consistent with manual methods, providing a robust dataset for understanding the anatomical characteristics of primary teeth.
Comparative Analysis
The study revealed that primary teeth in northern Chinese children are generally larger than those in other populations, such as Japanese, white Americans, and Africans, but smaller than those of native Australians2. This highlights the influence of genetic and environmental factors on tooth morphology.
Patterns of Primary Teeth Eruption
Eruption Timetables
A cross-sectional survey conducted in Chongqing, China, provided detailed timetables for the eruption of primary teeth in children aged 0-40 months4. The median age for the first primary tooth eruption was 8 months, and the last primary tooth typically emerged by 31 months. The first tooth to erupt was usually the mandibular incisor in 95.3% of cases4.
Estimating Number of Teeth
The study also proposed a formula to estimate the number of primary teeth based on the child's age: number of teeth = chronological age in months - age of first eruption in months + 1. This formula was found to be accurate and useful for assessing dental development in young children4.
Crown Dimensions and Variations
Global Survey of Crown Dimensions
A systematic review and meta-analysis of crown dimensions in primary teeth across different populations revealed significant variations. Australians were found to have the largest primary teeth, while Asians had the smallest7. Sexual dimorphism in primary teeth was generally low, averaging around 2%9. These findings underscore the importance of considering population-specific data when studying dental morphology.
Longitudinal Studies
Longitudinal studies in southern Chinese children showed that primary teeth sizes were generally larger than those of Caucasians but comparable to northern Chinese populations8. This reinforces the need for region-specific dental data to inform clinical practices and research.
Conclusion
Understanding the charting, morphology, and eruption patterns of primary teeth is crucial for dental professionals. The MICAP notation system offers a promising alternative to traditional methods, while advanced digital measurement techniques provide accurate morphological data. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies contribute valuable insights into the variations and development of primary teeth across different populations. These findings are essential for improving dental care and research in pediatric dentistry.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Identification of primary teeth by ‘MICAP’-a new tooth notation system
Primary teeth can be identified using the new 'MICAP' tooth notation format by undergraduate dental students, but further study and data are needed before it becomes an alternate method for dental charting.
Measurement of the morphological data of primary teeth in northwest China
Digital measurements of primary teeth in northwest China are in good agreement with manual Vernier calliper measurements, suggesting differences in genetic backgrounds and environmental factors.
Observational StudyAn assessment of clinical application of a new tooth notation for primary teeth
The new MICAP tooth notation system is well-understood by most dental health professionals, with specialists, hygienists, and technicians showing better performance than assistants.
Observational Study[A cross-sectional survey on the patterns of primary teeth eruption in 2 581 children].
The median age of first primary tooth eruption and total teeth emergence in Chongqing children is 8 and 31 months, with the first primary tooth eruption being the incisor of mandible in most infants.
Observational StudyTooth numbering systems.
Tooth numbering systems for primary and deciduous teeth are similar to permanent tooth numbering systems, except that primary teeth are numbered using lower case letters A through T, while deciduous teeth are numbered using upper case letters A through T.
Tooth-position, arch-size, and arch-shape in the primary dentition.
Primary dental arches in young children show three major cusp-to-fossa relations, with girls having smaller dental arches and mandibular arches having gentler curves in anterior segments.
Crown dimensions of primary teeth—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Australians have larger primary teeth than Asians, and crown height varies among populations, with Australians having larger mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions and Asians having smaller teeth.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalMesiodistal crown diameters of the primary and permanent teeth in southern Chinese--a longitudinal study.
Southern Chinese teeth show no significant sex differences in size, with only a small bilateral asymmetry in upper primary second molars, and are generally larger than Caucasians and Northern Chinese, but smaller than Australian Aboriginals.
Observational Study
Highly CitedMesiodistal tooth crown dimensions of the primary dentition: a worldwide survey.
Europeans have the smallest primary tooth crowns, while Africans and Asians have more tooth substance apportioned to molars, with size differences predominating over shape between sexes from the same groups.
Highly Cited