One of the biggest milestones our young children go through is teething, the process in which their teeth erupt from their gums and begin assisting them with biting, chewing, speaking, and more. During this process, the back teeth—also known as second molars or two-year molars—can generally cause some challenges for children; mainly discomfort. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about two-year molars and some signs that indicate their eruption, along with a few ways you can help your little one deal with any teething-related discomfort.
A Closer Look at Two-Year Molars
Two-year molars are the last of your child’s baby teeth to erupt; they’re large, flat teeth located behind the first set of molars, and they’re also the furthest back set of teeth that your child will develop until their wisdom teeth emerge later in their teenage years. Children get their first set of upper molars around 13 to 19 months, and their first bottom ones arrive between 14 and 18 months.
However, the second molars often come in much later, between 25 and 33 months for the top ones, and 23 to 31 months for the bottom ones. They can erupt simultaneously or one by one. Here are some things to watch for that normally indicate the emergence of two-year molars:
- Irritability, fussiness, and drastic mood changes
- Excessive drooling
- Sore and irritated gums that appear reddish in color
- The tendency to bite or chew on objects, like clothing or hair
How Can I Help My Child?
There are quite a few things you can do to help your little one if they’re dealing with discomfort from their two-year molars. Here are some useful tips and at-home remedies:
- Consider using chilled (not frozen) washcloths or gauze pads on your child’s gums. A cold spoon might also work, but don’t let your child bite into it. Traditional teething rings can be used, but since they’re designed for younger children, they might not be as effective.
- You can serve your child chilled or crunchy foods such as carrots, apples, or even peeled cucumbers.
- Wash your hands and then use your finger to gently massage the area. You might also give them medication such as Tylenol.
- Help your child maintain their oral hygiene routine; you should want those teeth to enter into a healthy environment!
The bottom line is that teething is a process that all children must go through, and the arrival of the two-year molars is one step that might cause a little bit of discomfort for your child. However, as a parent, you have much power to assist your little one.
About the Practice
The team at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville has proudly served families in the Danville, CA community for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages! You can rest assured that they’ll provide top-of-the-line care for your little one, no matter their circumstances. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for your child, feel free to visit their website or give them a call today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (925) 430-7710.