Although every child is unique, most kids undergo certain changes at specific points in their lives. For example, most babies begin cutting teeth when they’re about 1 year old, and typically, the front two bottom incisors are the first to arrive. Then, they continue to erupt in succession until their earliest molars appear months later.
If you’re unsure when babies typically grow their back teeth or what to expect during this stage of dental development, continue reading to learn more about it!
When Do Children Usually Grow Molars?
Many kids experience a tremulous period when they become toddlers, which many parents refer to as their “terrible twos”. Part of the reason so many children become easily irritable during this period may be because they’re developing molars.
It can vary somewhat, but most toddlers get their molars when they’re between 20 and 33 months, which equates to about 1.5 to 3 or so years. This is likely why they’re commonly known as “two-year molars”.
How Do I Know if My Toddler is Teething?
Molars are larger than the teeth that have already arrived, meaning they can cause more tenderness and inflammation than their front teeth did. This can be incredibly frustrating for your child, who is likely still too small to express what’s happening or ask for help verbally.
Recognizing the signs of teething molars allows you to respond quickly to your child’s needs and ease their aches. Potential indicators include:
- Increased irritability.
- Excessive drooling.
- Chewing on objects.
- Interrupted sleep or sleep regression.
How Can I Soothe My Child’s Aches?
If your little one is awake at all hours of the night because they’re crying over tooth pain, then you’re likely also missing out on some much-needed rest. You might even be feeling anxious if you’re unsure how to address your little one’s obvious distress.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can soothe their throbbing gums and provide relief, such as:
- Gently massaging the area with your finger to alleviate pressure buildup, causing tenderness.
- Try rubbing a chilled spoon on their gums (but don’t let them bite down on it, which can trigger additional discomfort).
- Giving them a wet washcloth to chew. You might even let it harden in the freezer for a few minutes to provide a temporary numbing relief. Be sure it’s in good condition and not falling apart, which can become a choking hazard.
- Avoiding teething necklaces that are a choking risk and hard plastic toys that can hurt their gums and may not be safe to put in their mouths.
Your child’s pediatric dentist may have additional tips and tricks you can try to help ease your child’s frustration when they grow their two-year molars!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ryne Paulson has about six years of experience helping children in Casper build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, then completed a two-year pediatric residency working throughout the islands of Hawaii. Today, he provides various services to kids from 0 to 18, and takes the time to get to know their unique needs to tailor treatment plans to meet them. Then, he uses state-of-the-art technology to provide comfortable, accurate results, all while teaching them the value of proper preventive care. You can request an appointment on the website or call (307) 266-1997.