Generations of Teeth in Diphyodont Species
_________________________________________Deciduous and Permanent are the anatomically correct terms to denote the two generations of teeth in diphyodont species.
It is acceptable to use “primary“ instead of deciduous in communicating with clients.
Reference: Anonymous. Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. 4th ed. Zurich and Ithaca: World Association of Veterinary Anatomists, 1994. Boucher CO, Zwemer TJ. Boucher’s clinical dental terminology – a glossary of accepted terms in all disciplines of dentistry. 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1993. Evans HE. Miller’s anatomy of the dog. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co, 1993.
Comments: Deciduous is the scientific term used in biology, as well as in comparative anatomy and anthropology for both animal and plant structures which are regularly shed. As a substitute for temporary, the term primary appeared early in the literature and it is listed in both Anthony’s and Otofy’s dictionaries 1922-23. The style of the Journal of the ADA requires the term deciduous in all literature designed for the profession and allows primary only in discourse for non-professional persons.
Deciduous tooth (DT):
Primary tooth replaced by a permanent (secondary) tooth.
The deciduous dentition period is that period during which only deciduous teeth are present.
The mixed dentition period is that period during which both deciduous and permanent teeth are present.
The permanent dentition period is that period during which only permanent teeth are present.
Reference: Anonymous. Nomina anatomica veterinaria. 4th ed. Zurich and Ithaca: World Association of Veterinary Anatomists, 1994. Boucher CO, Zwemer TJ. Boucher’s clinical dental terminology – a glossary of accepted terms in all disciplines of dentistry. 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1993. Evans HE. Miller’s anatomy of the dog. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co, 1993.
The term “Persistent deciduous tooth” is etymologically correct, although the term “retained deciduous tooth” is commonly used. The latter term, however, can be confused with an unerupted deciduous tooth.
Reference: Eisenmenger E, Zetner K. Tierv§rztliche Zahnheilkunde. 1st ed. Berlin: Verlag Paul Parey, 1982;44-50.