We are all familiar with the phrase “the terrible twos.” One of many things that can cause small children to be short fused during this time is the eruption of their two-year molars. They can cause your toddler to experience uncomfortable symptoms, like gum irritation, irritability, and drooling. This can cause even the most well-behaved child to experience difficulties. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and how you can help your little one get some relief.
What Are the Symptoms of Erupting Two-Year Molars?
For most children, the two-year molars start to come in sometime between 25 and 33 months of the top row, and between 23 and 31 months on the bottom row. Here are some of the symptoms your child may experience at this time.
- Discomfort
- Irritability
- Drooling
- Chewing on objects
- Visibly sore gums
How Can You Ease the Discomfort of Two-Year Molars?
There are various steps you can take to help your child feel more comfortable. Every child is different, so different tips may work better than others. Here are some you may want to give a try.
Home Remedies
Some home remedies can help to ease discomfort. Here are some that you may want to try:
- Place a cool, wet gauze pad on the gums.
- Gently massage the area with your finder.
- Use a cold spoon to cool the area.
- Give your child a wet washcloth to put on their gums.
Food
Hard, crunchy goods are helpful for alleviating tooth pain. Try giving your child carrots, apples, or peeled cucumbers. Encourage then to chew on the side of your mouth that is bothering them as you supervise them. Make sure that the pieces are cut small enough to prevent choking.
Medications
If your child is experiencing significant discomfort, over-the-counter pain relivers can be helpful. Acetaminophen is the most commonly recommended pain relief medication for babies and toddlers. Remember to double check the correct dosage with your child’s pediatrician. Benzocaine-containing products can be used for toddlers aged 2 and older, but you should always ask their pediatrician first.
Avoid Certain Items
Traditional teething rings are great options for babies developing their front teeth, but they aren’t helpful for toddlers who are teething in the back of their mouths. You should also avoid letting your child chew on hard plastic toys. These can cause damage to their teeth and put them at risk of BPA exposure.
The eruption of the two-year molars can be a frustrating time for small children, but by looking out for symptoms and using the relief methods above, they will be showing off a complete smile in no time!
About the Practice
At Glen Ellyn Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Glen Ellyn community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit would website or call (630) 858-8755.