National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

During which trimester does the earliest sign of tooth development appear?

1. 1st Trimester

2. 2nd Trimester

3. 3rd Trimester

4. At birth

The correct answer is: 1st Trimester

Tooth development begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, specifically around the sixth week of gestation. During this period, the primary teeth start forming from the ectoderm layer, which gives rise to dental structures. The initial stages include the formation of dental lamina, from which the tooth buds will eventually develop. This critical phase sets the foundation for the teeth that will erupt after birth. By the second and third trimesters, the development becomes more advanced, with the teeth continuing to mineralize and prepare for eruption, but the earliest signs are definitely localized to the first trimester. This is crucial information for understanding dental development as it relates to prenatal health and the importance of maternal care during pregnancy.