How to Handle Your Child’s Two-Year Molars

When your child’s two-year molars start to come in, it can be exciting. This is a sign that they’re growing up and their smile is nearly fully formed. As exciting as this time is, it can be difficult to know what to do when your little one’s teeth are coming in. Continue reading to learn about signs that their two-year molars are erupting as well as what you can do to help them manage the discomfort.

10 Signs of Two-Year Molars Erupting

Aside from aches and pains, the signs that your child’s two-year molars are erupting are similar to those of teething. Even so, symptoms can vary from child to child. In fact, many toddlers show no discomfort from their new molars coming in. Others experience worse pain than usual due to the teeth being large. Some little ones will also complain of feeling headaches. With that in mind, some of the common symptoms of two-year molars coming in are:

• Excessive drooling, which may result in a facial rash
• Gnawing on or wanting to chew on hard things
• Gums that are red and visibly sore or tender
• Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Bringing their hands to their mouth
• Chewing on objects and clothing
• A slightly high temperature
• Irritability and crying
• Coughing

4 Ways to Manage Two-Year Molar Pain

Fortunately, there are several ways that you can manage the pain your child feels from their two-year molars erupting, such as:

• Use home remedies – Try placing a cool, wet piece of gauze on your toddler’s gums to soothe them. You can also let them chew on a damp washcloth.
• Try crunchy foods – Feeding your child hard, crunchy foods can help mask the discomfort from their molars coming in.
• Avoid risky items –Don’t let your child chew on hard plastic toys or amber teething necklaces since they can present choking hazards. They may also hurt a little one’s teeth.
• Take medications –With a pediatrician’s approval, give your child a small dose of pain medicine.

When to See a Dentist

Mild discomfort from the second molars coming in is normal and doesn’t require a visit to your child’s dentist. However, if their symptoms become severe or your child seems persistently cranky due to the molars, see their pediatric dentist as quickly as possible.

Though it’s uncommon, this behavior may indicate that the teeth aren’t emerging properly. Left unchecked, your toddler may end up facing long-term complications.

About the Practice

Wylie Children’s Dentistry is a practice led by Dr. Allen Pearson that takes pride in helping its young patients achieve healthy, happy smiles. They offer a variety of preventive treatments to keep oral health issues from developing, and they can also give parents advice on how to help their child deal with pain from their two-year molars coming in. If you want to make an appointment with Dr. Pearson or to learn more about his services, call Wylie Children’s Dentistry’s office at (972) 429-7070 or visit their website.