What is a key difference between deciduous and permanent teeth?

Deciduous teeth, commonly known as baby teeth, exhibit several distinctive characteristics when compared to permanent teeth. One significant difference is that deciduous teeth generally have thinner enamel surfaces. This makes them more susceptible to wear and cavities, as the protective layer is not as robust as that of permanent teeth.

In addition to enamel thickness, deciduous teeth often have higher pulp horns and larger pulp chambers. This anatomical feature is important because it reflects the teeth's development, as baby teeth are designed to fall out to make way for permanent teeth. The pulp chamber houses nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth, and a larger pulp chamber in deciduous teeth can indicate their role in the developmental stages of a child's dental arch.

Moreover, deciduous teeth typically present flatter contact areas compared to the more pronounced contact surfaces seen in permanent teeth. This can affect how the teeth align during chewing and impacts overall dental ergonomics.

The inclusion of all these aspects as critical differences between deciduous and permanent teeth underscores their unique roles in dental development and health during early childhood. Therefore, the choice indicating that all the listed characteristics are true captures the comprehensive distinctions between these two types of teeth.