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Dental and Oral Health Center

Baby teething and molars

08/03/2006

Question:

When do toddlers start to get molars and what are the symptoms?

Answer:

The timing and sequence of the eruption of primary (baby) teeth are variable, but generally fall into predictable patterns.  The incisors (front teeth) are the first to erupt, usually around 6 months of age.  First molars begin erupting at about age 1 year. The second molars are the last to erupt at about the age of two years.

Teething is a natural process and usually occurs with few, if any, problems.  Some infants, however, show signs of more general distress, like a small rise in temperature, dehydration, increased salivation and skin eruptions.  The use of cold teething rings to apply cold and pressure to the areas of erupting teeth usually reduces the symptoms.  Increased fluid consumption and nonaspirin analgesics, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may also be helpful.

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Response by:

Dennis J McTigue, DDS Dennis J McTigue, DDS
Professor of Pediatric Dentistry
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University