Taming the Terrible Twos: Your Guide to Primary Molars

In the first two years of your baby’s life, they have already grown significantly. In fact, by the time they turn three, they should have all their baby teeth! These last molars to come in between the ages of 20 and 33 months. Bigger than other types of teeth, the molars may cause your toddler to be more uncomfortable and unpleasant as this round of dentition erupts.

The terrible twos aren’t affected by just two-year molars, but understanding what your child may be experiencing can help you know how to give them assistance and stay patient. In this post, you’ll learn more about the telltale signs of molar teething, what can be done to provide relief, and other important facts you need to know as a parent.

Why Do Two-Year-Olds Need Molars?

Up until this point, your little one hasn’t been able to bite and chew a full, normal menu. Their canines and incisors are not designed to grind up more fibrous or tough foods, but children should preferably learn early how to eat and enjoy a varied diet. Developing habits of eating fresh vegetables and fruit while young can make it easier to maintain healthy nutrition as they get older and grow.

Although toddlers can certainly be picky eaters, when your two-year-old’s molars finally erupt, try giving them harder or crunchier foods like raw broccoli (with dip if necessary), raw apples with peel, raw carrots or celery, chips, nuts (unless they have allergies), and meat bites—just like you. Watch them as they eat to confirm they do not choke.

How Can I Help My Teething Toddler?

When your toddler whines, becomes irritable, chews on various objects more frequently, or drools substantially, keep in mind that they are experiencing discomfort they don’t know yet how to express. To give them relief during the process, put softer foods that require less chewing on their plate and keep their skin around their mouth dry. Constant, unwiped drooling can cause painful rashes, which will only add to their frustration and yours.

A cool treat, like a popsicle or frozen fruit, can also numb some of the pressure on their gums. If all else fails, you can have them take over-the-counter child pain reliever during bad days. In addition, while you brush and floss with your two-year-old, reinforce these habits and encourage reaching back to clean these new teeth as soon as they come in.

With some diligence in healthy habits, luck, and love, you and your little one can make it through the terrible twos and beyond with their innocent smile and strong, healthy teeth.

About the Practice

Coastal Pediatric Dentistry happily works with kids from birth all the way through to high school graduation. At every transition and stage, we offer comfort, advice, and expertise to help them grow with a smile. Board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. James Forester and Dr. Natalie Vander Kam are also parents of their own respective children, so they can definitely relate on a personal level to your struggles with your own. Do you have questions about your child’s oral development? Reach out to us online or call our San Luis Obispo office at 805-592-2020.