Are you the parent or guardian of a toddler who has finally reached the terrible twos? This developmental phase in your child’s life is often marked by defiant behavior, tantrums, and plenty of vexation for them and for you.
This transitional period is when your kid learns to walk and talk but don’t yet have the emotional skills or verbal abilities to communicate their needs or frustrations. If they’re going through a change, like growing new teeth, they can become extra irate. Continue reading to learn more about two-year molars and what to expect!
What are Two-Year Molars?
Although it can vary from person to person, most kids start teething when they’re about a year old. Then, their pearly whites typically arrive in a predictable pattern around specific time frames. For example, their molars usually arrive when they’re between 13 to 19 months.
Two-year molars are the last set of teeth to grow and usually show up when they’re 23 to 33 months old, or a couple of years.
How Do I Know if My Toddler is Teething?
Your toddler is likely to show signs and symptoms when they start cutting these last molars because they’re the largest and tend to cause the most discomfort. As a result, even the most well-behaved kids can start acting out or becoming difficult.
Some indicators that let you know your child could be teething include:
- Mood changes. If they’re acting more irritable, they could be coping with pain.
- Drooling. They’re likelier to produce more saliva due to gum irritation and don’t have the control yet to contain it.
- Increased chewing. Your little one may habitually bite down on objects or clothing to ease the ache.
- Darkened gums. Your kid’s gums might look darker or puffier than usual.
- Interrupted sleep. If they don’t settle down for their usual naps or bedtimes, it might be because it’s difficult to rest with the throbbing in their jaw.
How Can I Help My Child Feel More Comfortable?
It’s hard to know how to help your loved one feel better when they can’t express the root of the problem. You can try the following tips to ease their tender tissues to provide some much-needed relief:
- Place a cool, wet gauze pad on their gums.
- Massage their gums gently with your finger (after washing your hands).
- Rub a cool spoon on the connective tissues, but don’t let them bite it.
- Allow them to chew on a wet or cold washcloth that won’t tear apart in their mouth.
- Provide harder, crunchier snacks to apply pressure on their gums, like apples, carrots, and cucumbers.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s teeth are growing correctly, the best next step is to contact their pediatric dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele has about 30 years of experience helping children build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry and then underwent her pediatric residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City, MO. Today, she’s an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She offers a wide array of services to meet even the most unique needs while teaching kids the value of proper dental care. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 640-7432.