Tiny Teeth & Tears Erupt: How to Navigate Two-Year Molars

As children grow older, their gummy smiles are quickly replaced by primary teeth that are erupting faster than you might realize. Before you know it, their toothless grin now consists of multiple pearly whites that can be difficult to brush, especially since toddlers always seem to be on the go. Just when you think your child’s teething days are behind them, their two-year molars start to make their appearance. What can you do to help them through this uncomfortable process? Keep reading to learn what steps you can take at home and when it’s time to see a pediatric dentist.

Which Signs Indicate Your Child’s Two-Year Molars Are Erupting?

With so many of your child’s teeth erupting in such a short span of time, you may be unfamiliar with when their two-year molars will push through. Generally, these begin to show anywhere between 25 and 33 months of age.

Some of the most common symptoms your child might experience during this time include:

• Excessive drooling
• Sore, red gums
• Chewing on various objects or clothing
• Irritability
• Headaches

What is helpful is that your two-year-old may be able to better express their discomfort, as opposed to when they were younger.

How Can You Manage Your Child’s Pain?

Since these teeth are larger than others, your child may experience significant pain. Although not all children exhibit discomfort, you can help your little one feel better by using a cool, wet washcloth and letting them chew on it. You can also apply a cool spoon to their gums to numb the pain.

Other solutions include:

• Providing raw fruits and vegetables (i.e., carrots, apples, etc.), they can chew on to minimize discomfort (Just make sure they do not choke).
• Providing pain relief medication, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil); however, if your child has asthma, they should not receive ibuprofen.
• Using a clean finger to gently massage their gums.

A few items you should avoid include teething rings, amber teething necklaces, or hard toys, as these can pose a choking hazard or cause potential damage to their gums and existing teeth.

When Should Your Little One See a Dentist?

Cutting two-year molars is a normal process, so just because your child experiences irritation and discomfort doesn’t mean you need to rush to their pediatric dental office for help. However, if you notice they develop a fever or have diarrhea, you should get them in to see their doctor.

If the pain and irritability seem abnormal for teething (or are unlike what they previously experienced with erupting teeth), making an appointment with their pediatric dentist is a good idea. This will allow for a more thorough evaluation to see how the molars are erupting.

A toddler’s developing smile can come with highs and lows, but with the help of a trusted dental team, you can make sure your little one gets the relief they need while their smile continues to grow.

About the Author
Dr. Amar Singh is a children’s dentist in Levittown who works closely with parents to provide essential preventive services and other, more complex care to patients with growing, developing smiles. As little ones begin to experience the teething phase, he can offer helpful tips to minimize discomfort at home. As a trusted and reliable pediatric dentist, Dr. Singh remains available to answer questions and offer assistance when certain symptoms seem “too much,” so if your child is cutting their two-year molars and you need help, visit our website or call (267) 580-9657.