Table of Contents
What Are Molars?
Before we dive into when babies develop molars, let’s take a moment to define what molars actually are. Molars are the flat, large teeth located at the back of the mouth. They are used for grinding and chewing food, and are an important part of a healthy mouth.
When Do Molars Typically Develop?
Molars are the last teeth to develop in a baby’s mouth. Most babies will begin to develop their molars between 13 and 19 months of age. However, every baby is different, and some babies may begin to develop their molars as early as 10 months or as late as 24 months.
What Are the Signs of Molar Development?
Just like with front teeth, there are several signs that your baby may be developing molars. Some of the most common signs include:
- Increased drooling
- Chewing on objects
- Irritability and fussiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Swollen gums
If you notice any of these signs in your baby, they may be starting to develop their molars.
How Can You Help Your Baby During Molar Development?
Molar development can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. However, there are several things that you can do to help ease your baby’s discomfort during this time. Some tips include:
- Giving your baby a cold teething ring or washcloth to chew on
- Offering your baby cold, soft foods like yogurt or mashed bananas
- Rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger
- Giving your baby pain-relieving medication recommended by your pediatrician
By providing your baby with plenty of love and support, you can help them navigate the sometimes-painful process of molar development.
Conclusion
Molars are an important part of a healthy mouth, and they typically develop between 13 and 19 months of age. While molar development can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, there are several things you can do to help ease your baby’s discomfort. By following the tips in this article and providing your baby with plenty of love and support, you can help them through this exciting milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are molars?
Molars are the flat, large teeth located at the back of the mouth. They are used for grinding and chewing food, and are an important part of a healthy mouth.
When do babies typically develop molars?
Most babies will begin to develop their molars between 13 and 19 months of age. However, every baby is different, and some babies may begin to develop their molars as early as 10 months or as late as 24 months.
What are the signs of molar development?
Some of the most common signs of molar development include increased drooling, chewing on objects, irritability and fussiness, difficulty sleeping, and swollen gums.
How can I help my baby during molar development?
You can help ease your baby’s discomfort during molar development by giving them a cold teething ring or washcloth to chew on, offering them cold, soft foods like yogurt or mashed bananas, rubbing their gums with a clean finger, and giving them pain-relieving medication recommended by your pediatrician.
What can I do if my baby is experiencing a lot of pain during molar development?
If your baby is experiencing a lot of pain during molar development, you should speak with your pediatrician. They may be able to recommend additional pain-relieving measures or prescribe medication to help ease your baby’s discomfort.