# Reference Values for Permanent-Tooth Emergence in Hungarian Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study establishes modern eruption standards for permanent teeth in Hungarian children, showing differences by sex and tooth type.

## Contribution

The study provides the first updated, sex-specific tooth eruption standards for Hungarian children using recent clinical data.

## Key findings

- Girls had earlier tooth eruption than boys for most teeth, with differences ranging from 1.9 to 8.9 months.
- Mandibular teeth generally erupted before maxillary teeth, except for premolars in boys.
- The eruption range was widest for second molars and narrowest for maxillary central incisors.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Population-specific data on permanent-tooth eruption are essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and public health strategies. In Hungary, current clinical practice relies on outdated international eruption standards. The aim of this study was to determine the timing and sequence of permanent tooth emergence in Hungarian children and provide sex-specific eruption standards. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on dental screening records of 2948 children aged 4–15 years in Debrecen, Hungary, during the 2015–2016 school year. Probit regression was used to estimate median eruption times and percentiles, and eruption sequences were assessed by sex and jaw. Results: Girls exhibited earlier eruption than boys for all teeth except mandibular central incisors (difference: 1.9–8.9 months; p < 0.05). Mandibular teeth generally preceded maxillary teeth, though premolars in boys showed the opposite trend. Eruption sequences varied by sex, particularly in the canine-premolar region. The 5th-95th percentile eruption range was widest for second molars (4.8 years) and narrowest for maxillary central incisors (2.3 years). Conclusions: This study provides the first modern eruption standards for Hungarian children. These sex-specific reference values are clinically useful for assessing delayed eruption, guiding radiographic decisions, and optimizing the timing of preventive and orthodontic interventions.