An 8-year-old patient has multiple teeth. How many permanent and deciduous teeth are typically present in the mouth of an 8-year-old?

Correct answer: C. 12 permanent and 12 deciduous

• A. 16 permanent teeth would suggest the premolars have erupted, which typically occurs at ages 9–12.
• B. All 28 permanent teeth would not be present until age 12–14 (excluding third molars).
• C. Correct. At age 8, a typical mixed dentition includes 12 permanent teeth (4 first molars + 4 mandibular incisors + 4 maxillary incisors = 12) and approximately 12 remaining deciduous teeth (canines + first and second primary molars). The exact count depends on the specific child's dental development.
• D. 8 permanent teeth would represent only the 4 first molars and some incisors — this understates the typical eruption at age 8.