How many milk teeth (baby teeth) are there in the human body?

Humans develop a set of milk teeth, also called baby teeth or deciduous teeth, during early childhood. There are a total of 20 milk teeth in the human mouth, which include 10 in the upper jaw (maxilla) and 10 in the lower jaw (mandible).

These teeth begin to appear, or erupt, around 6 months of age and are usually all present by 2 to 3 years. The primary function of milk teeth is to help children chew food properly, support the development of clear speech, and maintain space in the jaws for the eventual eruption of permanent teeth.

The 20 milk teeth are classified into four types:

1. 
   

   Incisors (8 total) – front teeth used for cutting food

   
   


2. 
   

   Canines (4 total) – pointed teeth for tearing food

   
   


3. 
   

   Molars (8 total) – back teeth used for grinding food

   
   

Unlike permanent teeth, milk teeth are smaller, whiter, and have thinner enamel, making them more prone to cavities if oral hygiene is not maintained. They are eventually replaced by a full set of 32 permanent teeth, which include wisdom teeth.

Maintaining milk teeth is important because early loss can affect jaw development, alignment of permanent teeth, and speech. Dentists often emphasize proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups even in children with baby teeth.

In conclusion, the correct number of milk teeth in the human body is 20 (Option D). These teeth play a vital role in early childhood nutrition, oral development, and preparation for permanent dentition.