In the mixed dentition, how many teeth are typically present in an 8-year-old (12 per arch)?

Correct answer: A. 24

• A. Correct. At ~8 years a child usually has 12 teeth per arch (24 total): permanent central and lateral incisors and first molars, plus the remaining primary canines and primary first/second molars.
• B. 20 is the count for the complete primary dentition (younger child).
• C. 28 is the count once all permanent teeth except third molars have erupted (older adolescent).
• D. 32 is the complete permanent dentition including third molars (adult).