Deciduous teeth, commonly referred to as baby teeth, are the first set of teeth to develop in humans. These teeth serve essential functions during childhood, aiding in speech development, proper chewing, and maintaining space for the permanent teeth that will eventually emerge. The process of their shedding is a natural and necessary part of human development.
The loss of these initial teeth allows for the proper alignment and eruption of the larger permanent teeth within the jaw. The temporary nature of these teeth ensures that adult dentition, which is larger and more numerous, can properly function without causing overcrowding. This process has been observed across mammalian species, demonstrating its evolutionary significance for adapting to changing dietary needs and physical maturation.