Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
Reading time: three minutes.
Watching your little one grow is exciting, but teething can turn that joy into a challenging phase.
In this blog, you will learn about the timeline, symptoms, and ways to ease your toddler’s teething pain.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Common toddler molar teething symptoms include gum pain, irritability, runny nose, chewing on objects, drooling, disrupted sleep, and mild fever. If symptoms persist or seem severe, consult your healthcare provider to rule out conditions like ear infections or viral illnesses.
When Do Your Toddler’s Second Molar Teeth Come In?
The second molars, also called 2-year molars, typically come in between 25-33 months of age.
These molar teeth are part of the final stage of your child’s primary teeth eruption, following the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canine teeth.
This stage plays a vital role in your toddler’s oral development, helping them chew solid food properly and develop healthy dental habits.
Common Toddler Molar Teething Symptoms
Molar teething symptoms vary but can include:
- Gum pain: Sore, swollen gums occur as the teeth press against the gum tissue, causing discomfort as they break through.
- Irritability: The constant discomfort can make your toddler more fussy and difficult to soothe.
- Runny nose: Mild congestion can occur due to increased blood flow and inflammation in the gums, which may stimulate nasal passages.
- Chewing on objects: Biting helps relieve pressure from the teeth pushing through the gums, providing some comfort.
- Drooling: Excess saliva production is the body’s natural way to ease gum pain and protect the new teeth coming in.
- Disrupted sleep: Pain can intensify at night when distractions are fewer, making it harder for toddlers to sleep soundly.
- Mild fever: A slight rise in temperature can occur due to the body’s inflammatory response to the teething process.
If symptoms seem severe or last longer than expected, consult your healthcare provider to rule out other causes like ear infections or viral infections.
When Teething Symptoms Are Not Teething
Sometimes, symptoms that resemble teething can be caused by other health concerns. It’s important to watch for these conditions:
- Ear infections: Ear pulling and irritability can mimic teething pain but may indicate an infection.
- Viral infections: Fever and fussiness could be signs of a cold or other viral illness rather than teething.
- Sinus congestion: Runny nose and mild fever might result from sinus issues rather than new teeth.
- Oral thrush: White patches in the mouth could signal a yeast infection instead of teething discomfort.
If you are unsure whether your child’s symptoms are teething-related or due to another issue, consult your kids dentist. To learn more about other causes of tooth pain, read this blog: Don’t Ignore the Pain: How to Spot and Treat a Tooth Abscess in Kids
How to Alleviate Toddler Molar Teething Pain
Try these gentle pain remedies for relief:
- Cold objects: A chilled teething ring or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth can reduce swelling.
- Clean finger or wet gauze pad: Massage your child’s gums gently to ease discomfort.
- Pain relief medication: Use only with the correct dosage recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Crunchy foods: Offer solid food items suitable for their age.
- Gum massages: Applying gentle pressure with a clean finger can be soothing.
Encouraging Healthy Dental Habits Early
Good oral hygiene during the teething process is essential for preventing tooth decay and promoting healthy teeth:
- Begin brushing with a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) on a baby tooth as soon as it emerges.
- Clean all teeth thoroughly, paying extra attention to the harder to reach molar teeth.
- Avoid sugary food to prevent dental caries and tooth stains.
- Schedule regular visits with a pediatric dentist for check-ups.
Book Your Kid’s First Dental Visit in Frisco, TX
Teething, while sometimes an unpleasant experience, is a natural process in your child’s dental development.
Support them with care and patience for a calmer experience. If you notice prolonged discomfort or severe symptoms, reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance.
If you live in Frisco, book your child’s first dental exam at our kid’s dentist office in Frisco, TX.
To book an appointment, call us at 214-618-5200 today or visit our office at 6801 Warren Parkway, Suite 115, Frisco, TX 75034