Which statement accurately describes which deciduous teeth shed first, considering the exception for second molars?

• A. Mandibular teeth generally shed first, except the maxillary primary second molars shed first.
• B. Maxillary teeth shed first
• C. Mandibular first molars shed first and maxillary second molars never shed first
• D. There is no pattern in shedding order

Answer: (A)

Deciduous tooth shedding follows a relatively consistent pattern linked to how permanent teeth erupt and how roots resorb. In most children, the lower jaw starts shedding earlier than the upper jaw, with the mandibular teeth—especially the front ones—being the first to loosen. An exception to this trend is that the maxillary primary second molars can shed before other primary teeth, due to their specific root resorption timing influenced by the eruption of the maxillary permanent teeth. This exception helps explain why the general rule (lower teeth shed first) isn’t universal. Other statements either oversimplify or misstate the sequence, whereas this description aligns with the observed pattern and its noted exception.