: 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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebMost baby teeth are discarded, as are permanent teeth that are pulled during orthodontic or other dental procedures.BostonGlobe.com, 18 Dec. 2019 By then, enough permanent teeth have come in for an orthodontist to evaluate the bite. Anna Nguyen, Philly.com, 6 Apr. 2018 The nail penetrates the skin and goes into a pocket between the baby teeth and permanent teeth. Miranda Siwak, Good Housekeeping, 22 May 2017 Once all the permanent teeth have erupted, a second set of braces is used to align the teeth. Anna Nguyen, Philly.com, 6 Apr. 2018 Untreated cavities in baby teeth can spread and cause decay in other teeth, including permanent teeth. Anna Nguyen, Philly.com, 17 Oct. 2017 Earlier studies found that Neandertal permanent teeth grew significantly faster and erupted earlier than those of our own species. Ann Gibbons, Science | AAAS, 21 Sep. 2017 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1799, in the meaning defined above
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