permanent tooth

noun

: any of the second set of teeth of a mammal that follow the milk teeth, typically persist into old age, and in humans are 32 in number

Examples of permanent tooth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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More than half of children 6 to 8 years old have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth, and more than half of teens ages 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth, the health department said. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026 That misinformation cost their son four permanent teeth and potentially years of avoidable pain. Samantha Korn, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 This is a cosmetic change in children’s tooth enamel caused by ingesting excessive fluoride while their permanent teeth are still forming underneath their gums, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 31 May 2025 One permanent tooth needed a crown, the office said, noting that three hours is normal for these procedures. Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 30 May 2025 Residents whose permanent teeth had calcified without developing the stains did not risk having their teeth turn brown, according to the CDC. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 12 May 2025 Dentists may order X-rays for children to see where their underlying permanent teeth are and how those are growing. Melinda Wenner Moyer, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Yet even with the proliferation of fluoride-containing toothpastes and dental sealants, tooth decay is still the most common chronic disease affecting American children, and the average senior citizen is missing at least 10 permanent teeth. Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025 Patients don't immediately receive permanent teeth because doctors first want to address any problems that might come with the implants, Weber said. Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of permanent tooth was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent tooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permanent%20tooth. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

permanent tooth

noun
: one of the second set of teeth of a mammal that follow the milk teeth, usually last into old age, and in human beings are 32 in number

Medical Definition

permanent tooth

noun
: one of the second set of teeth of a mammal that follow the milk teeth, typically persist into old age, and in humans are 32 in number including 4 incisors, 2 canines, and 10 premolars and molars in each jaw

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