Tooth Development and Shedding Practice Test

Shedding of deciduous teeth happens as the permanent successors start to erupt and resorb the roots of the primary teeth. In humans, dental development tends to be slightly advanced in females, so girls typically reach these milestones earlier than boys. Because the permanent teeth erupt earlier in females, the process that triggers root resorption and shedding happens sooner, leading to earlier shedding overall. While individual variation exists, the general pattern is that shedding times favor females.