Watching your child grow comes with so many special moments, but some milestones are a bit tougher than the others. The eruption of two-year molars is one of those not-so-fun parts of growing up. These final baby teeth play an important role in your child’s oral health, but they can also bring some discomfort and crankiness. Keep reading to learn more about these molars and when you can tell they are on their way, plus some tips on what you can do to help your child feel better as they come in.
What Exactly Are Two-Year Molars?
Also known as second molars, these are the last set of baby teeth to come in. They are in the back of your child’s mouth, so that way they can help with chewing and breaking down food more effectively! Not only that, but two-year molars can help your little one speak more clearly. Typically, they start to emerge between 20 and 30 months. Since they are the last to come in, it also normally marks the final teething stage!
How Can I Tell If My Child’s Second Molars Are Erupting?
Since these teeth are so large, they can cause some discomfort in your little one. Every child’s experience is different, but here are some common signs that show the arrival of two-year molars:
- Sore red gums where they erupt
- More drooling
- Irritability
- Chewing more on objects and clothing
- Interrupted sleep
Can I Help My Child Get Some Relief as They Come In?
Even if you feel lost on how you can ease your little one’s discomfort, the good news is there are some things that you can do to help them during this time. Here is what you can do:
- Try putting a teething ring or damp washcloth in the fridge (not the freezer!) as it can gently soothe your child’s gums by numbing them.
- With a clean finger, gently massage the area that’s causing discomfort.
- Give them some chilled, soft, healthy snacks, such as applesauce or yogurt! Or you can give them chilled produce, like carrots or apples, and encourage them to chew on the side of their mouth that’s bothering them most.
- Play a fun game or activity with them to help distract them from the discomfort! This can be an effective way to change a fussy mood into a happy one!
While the erupting of second molars can be an unpleasant experience, you should still consider calling your pediatric dentist if they have persistent crankiness and tenderness. It can be a sign of the teeth not coming in correctly, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
About the Practice
At Garland Pediatric Dentistry, our team is dedicated to giving specialized care for every single child. Dr. Ben Baghai and Dr. Kaveh Ghods want to ensure that they build positive habits that they take into their adulthood. We are proud to help them as their teeth come in, along with all the other changes that happen in their dental health. To learn more, schedule an appointment or call us at (972) 674-9966.