How many teeth are in the arch of a deciduous dentition?

In a deciduous dentition, also known as primary or baby teeth, there are a total of 20 teeth present in the full arch. This set is composed of 10 teeth in the upper arch and 10 teeth in the lower arch. The primary dentition typically includes two incisors, one canine, and two molars in each quadrant of the mouth.

This number is notably fewer than the 32 teeth present in the permanent dentition, which includes additional molars and premolars that develop later. Since the question specifically asks for the count in the deciduous dentition, the choice of 20 reflects the standard count and distribution within this group of teeth. Understanding this aspect of dental anatomy is essential for recognizing the developmental differences between primary and permanent teeth.