When Do Children Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?
Most children start to lose their baby teeth around 6 years old, but it can vary from child to child. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to go. Your child will then lose their top front teeth, followed by their molars. All 20 of their baby teeth will fall out between the ages of 6 and 12. During that time, permanent teeth erupt to replace them, and additional ones also appear – more on that below!
What Are 6 Year Molars?
The 6 year molars are the back teeth on either side of the mouth that come in around 6 years old. They have a flat surface with ridges and are used for chewing. What’s interesting about them is that they don’t replace any baby teeth – they are brand new teeth! They’ll erupt right behind your child’s primary molars, and the 12-year molars will follow in behind them.
When Does 6-Year Molar Eruption Happen, Exactly?
The 6-year molars usually come in around 6 years old, but they can erupt at age 6 or 7. Some children will experience all four 6-year molars coming in at once, while others will get them in pairs. It really varies from child to child.
Usually, the 2-year molars will fall out before the 6-year molars come in. But, in some cases, the 6-year molars can come in first and push the primary molars out before they’re ready to go. This is why it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s mouth and teeth as they go through this stage!
What Are the Symptoms of 6 Year Molar Eruption?
The most common symptom of 6 year molar eruption is pain. The 6 year molars can cause a lot of discomfort because they’re coming in right behind the primary molars, which are already pretty large teeth. The first permanent teeth can also cause your child’s gums to swell and be tender.
Other things your child may experience when their molars get close to breaking through their gums include:
- difficulty sleeping;
- irritability;
- low-grade fever;
- headaches;
- ear pain;
- jaw pain.
You may find that your child is fussier than usual and doesn’t want to eat because of the pain. This is normal! Just be sure to give them lots of TLC and offer them pain relief if needed.
What Can You Do to Help Relieve the Discomfort?
There are a few things you can do to help relieve your child’s discomfort. If they’re in a lot of pain, you can give them over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Just make sure the dose is appropriate for their age and weight. Teething gels or creams can help to numb the pain.
You can also try some home remedies, like having your kid rinse their mouth with warm saltwater or massage their gums with their finger. Just be sure not to use anything sharp or pointy, like a toothpick!
Another thing you can do is give your child popsicles to suck on and soft foods like soups, oatmeal and yogurt to eat. The cold can help to numb the pain, and by avoiding chewing, they won’t put too much pressure on their gums. You can also apply a warm compress to their face for 20 minutes at a time to help soothe the pain.
As your child goes through 6 year molar eruption, just be sure to keep an eye on them and offer them lots of love and support. It can be a tough time for them, but it won’t last forever! Teach them the good hygiene habits of brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, too. Soon enough, they’ll have a full set of adult teeth!
When Should You Contact a Pediatric Dentist?
If your child is experiencing a lot of pain or has swollen gums, you should contact their dental care professional. They may be able to prescribe medication to help with the pain or recommend other treatments. If you notice any redness or pus in their gums, that’s a sign of infection and you should take them to the dentist right away.
It’s also a good idea to take your child to the dental care office once their 6-year molars come in. This way, the dentist can check to make sure they’re coming in correctly and that there aren’t any problems. They can also give you some tips on how to care for your child’s teeth and help prevent cavities.
How Long Do 6 Year Molars Take to Come In?
Once they’ve started to come in and cause discomfort, 6 year molars can take around a week to fully erupt. So, if your child is starting to experience pain, it’s probably because their 6 year molars are on their way! Just be patient and offer them lots of love and support until they’re all the way in. Soon, all their baby teeth will be gone, and their new molars will help them enjoy their favorite foods.
Do you have a 6 year old who is losing baby teeth? Are their 6 year molars coming in? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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