As parents, we eagerly anticipate each milestone in our child’s development, from their very first step to the utterance of their first word. One significant milestone that’s often surprising is the emergence of the two-year molars. These back teeth, also called second molars, generally bring about some challenges for children as they navigate the teething process. Continue reading below to learn a little more from your pediatric dentist about these teeth and what you can do to help your child deal with some of the discomfort triggered by their arrival.
What Are Two-Year Molars?
To put it simply, the two-year molars are the last of your child’s “baby teeth” to erupt until they get their permanent teeth later on. 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.
What Signals the Arrival of Two-Year Molars?
Generally, children get their first set of upper molars around 13 to 19 months, and their first bottom ones arrive between 14 and 18 months. The second molars often come in later; between 25 and 33 months for the top ones, and 23 to 31 months for the bottom ones. They can emerge simultaneously or one at a time. A few signs to look for that usually indicate the emergence of two-year molars include:
- Irritability and drastic mood changes
- Excessive drooling
- Sore and irritated gums that appear red
- The tendency to chew on objects/clothing
What Can I Do to Help My Little One?
It’s worth mentioning that not all children deal with discomfort during the emergence of these teeth; however, if your little one is hurting, here are some tips to help them out:
- Use a chilled gauze pad or cloth on your child’s gums; a cold spoon can also achieve this, but be sure to not let your kiddo bite the spoon!
- Wash your hands and then use your finger to gently massage the area.
- Try giving your child hard or crunchy foods like carrots, apples, or peeled cucumbers. Just be sure to monitor your child while they’re eating these.
- Traditional teething rings might not be as helpful since they’re primarily designed for younger babies, but using medication such as Tylenol might be helpful.
About the Practice
Here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on the elite level of care that we bring families in the Clinton, MA community. We’re thrilled to offer a wide range of pediatric dental services geared toward helping children maintain healthy and beautiful smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, feel free to visit us online or give us a call today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (978) 612-6222.