Has your two-year-old been more irritable lately? It’s often referred to as the “terrible twos,” but it’s also the right time for your child’s molars to come through. When your child turns six, new and permanent molars will emerge. There are several signs to look for that can help you decide if your child needs to see a Colleyville pediatric dentist.
Take a look at all you need to know about children’s molars.
When to Start Looking for Molars
Molars typically begin to develop from 20 months old, but they can take up to 33 months old to come through. Some babies may have all their molars come through at the same time, which often makes symptoms severe but short-term. Other babies may have their molars come through one at a time, which could mean you see the symptoms of teething for a lot longer in your child.
Each child is different and will react to cutting their molars in different ways. If you have any concerns, it’s important to seek advice from a pediatric dentist in Colleyville.
Two-Year-Old Molar Symptoms
Some children show no signs of discomfort while cutting their molars, and you may notice they’ve come through without any hassle. However, the majority of children will display mild to severe symptoms during this time. They can include drooling, which can result in a rash around the mouth and sore red gums in the molar area.
You may also notice your baby chewing on different objects, including his own hands. Your baby may have disrupted sleep patterns and could be irritable because of pain or tiredness.
Most parents notice a change in their child’s behavior patterns. It’s quite normal for a usually happy and content child to become irritable and clingy.
Relieving Symptoms
It’s never easy for a child or parent when the symptoms of teething set in. If your child is in visible pain, there are a few things you can do. Many teething aids on the market can be refrigerated or frozen to help relieve the pain of sore gums.
Anything cold can help your child so if you haven’t got a teether on hand, try cooling a wet washcloth and letting your child chew on it. It can also be useful to store slices of fruit, like apple or watermelon, in the fridge and let your child gnaw on them.
If your child’s gums are particularly sore, try placing a pea-sized amount of teething gel on your finger and gently rubbing the gums with it.
As a last resort, you can offer your child medication. If no other remedy seems to be easing the pain for your child, a child-friendly pain killer can help.
Six-Year Molars
Just when you think you’re over the teething phases, something else crops up. Changes in your teeth aren’t just limited to babies. Our teeth change through to adulthood.
At age six, a new and permanent set of molars will emerge. It can also happen at age 12, and wisdom teeth usually come out in adulthood. Six-year molars will emerge behind the molars that come out at age two.
Your child may experience similar symptoms to the ones he had as a baby. However, additional symptoms could include headaches and fevers, but these are rarer. Similar to the two-year molars, your child can ease the pain with cold foods and gently massaging the gums. Pain killers can also be used if necessary.
Helping Your Child to Eat Through Teething
No matter what age your child is through teething, you may notice a loss in appetite. Avoid trying to convince your child into eating normally. He may just be trying to avoid causing himself pain.
There are many alternatives you can offer during this time to ensure eating isn’t painful while maintaining your little one’s diet. Try offering soups and chilis for main meals and mash up any veggies as sides. Desserts could range from smoothies to ice creams and even homemade popsicles.
Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids and avoid giving any medications on an empty stomach.
When to See a Colleyville Orthodontist
So, when should you visit a Colleyville pediatric dental office? As your child’s teeth begin to emerge, it’s the perfect opportunity to visit your dentist. Not only will this make sure your child feels secure in that environment, but it also encourages healthy eating habits and good oral hygiene.
Your dentist will be able to help you track the growth of your child’s teeth and give you some indication as to when to expect teeth to emerge.
Being registered with a local dentist also means you’ll know exactly what to do in an emergency. Children have frequent accidents and it’s not uncommon for a cracked tooth to be the result. The quicker you get your child checked out, the quicker you can put your mind at rest.
Visit Colleyville Pediatric Dentistry
At Colleyville Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in dental care for infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and special needs patients. We aim to make all our families feel welcome in our friendly atmosphere. Our highly skilled staff has years of experience in supporting children and their parents or guardians in proper dental hygiene.
Why not take a browse through all the services we offer?
The Best Colleyville Pediatric Dentist
When it comes to your child’s oral health, it’s important to find a dentist you can trust and rely upon. At Colleyville Pediatric Dentist, we offer a family-oriented service that’s second to none. Contact us today and come and see for yourself.
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