Molars are the large, flat teeth located in the back of the mouth, designed for crushing and grinding food. A child develops two full sets: the primary (“baby”) molars and the permanent (“adult”) molars. Understanding the timeline for when these teeth emerge helps parents track a significant milestone in a child’s oral health and growth.
Timing of Primary Molars
The first set of molars to appear are the primary molars, which typically emerge after the front incisor teeth. The arrival of these wider, flatter teeth often signals a shift in a child’s diet toward chewier, solid foods. The initial set, known as the first primary molars, usually begins to erupt between 13 and 19 months in the upper jaw, and between 14 and 18 months in the lower jaw.
These first molars are positioned behind the canine teeth and maintain the necessary space for the permanent teeth that follow. The final teeth to complete the primary set are the second primary molars, which sit at the back of the mouth. These typically make their appearance much later, erupting between 25 and 33 months of age.
By the time a child reaches their third birthday, they usually have all 20 primary teeth, including these two sets of molars. The eruption of these second molars often causes the most significant discomfort during teething due to their large size and the dense nature of the jawbone. While the exact timing can vary, the sequence of eruption remains consistent.
Eruption of Permanent Molars
Molars continue to emerge in childhood with the arrival of the permanent teeth, starting with the “six-year molars.” These are the first permanent molars and typically erupt between the ages of six and seven. They do not replace any existing primary teeth but instead emerge in the jawbone space directly behind the last primary molars.
These four teeth (two on the top and two on the bottom) are foundational because they establish the permanent bite and determine the positioning of the other permanent teeth. The second set of permanent molars, sometimes called the “twelve-year molars,” follows several years later. These usually arrive between the ages of 11 and 13.
The second permanent molars emerge behind the first set, completing the main chewing surface of the adult dentition. Once this second set is in place, a child enters the mixed dentition stage, where both primary and permanent teeth coexist. This stage lasts until the final primary tooth is lost, generally around age twelve.
Comforting Your Child During Molar Teething
The emergence of the large primary molars can cause more intense pressure and discomfort than the front teeth. Applying gentle, focused pressure can help counteract the sensation of the erupting tooth pushing through the gum tissue. Parents can use a clean finger or a cool, damp piece of gauze to gently massage the affected area.
Cold therapy provides a localized numbing effect to soothe inflammation in the gums. A chilled (but not frozen) teething ring or a wet washcloth placed in the refrigerator can offer significant relief when the child chews on it. Freezing these items should be avoided, as extreme cold can damage the delicate gum tissue.
For intense fussiness, an age-appropriate dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be helpful. Parents should always consult a pediatrician for proper dosing guidelines. Topical numbing gels, especially those containing benzocaine, should be avoided as they are not recommended for young children due to potential safety concerns. Offering a sippy cup of cold water or chilled soft foods like yogurt can also provide comfort and maintain hydration.
Dental Care and Common Issues for Molars
Molars, both primary and permanent, present a challenge for dental hygiene due to their complex anatomy. The chewing surfaces contain deep pits and grooves that easily trap food particles and bacteria, making them susceptible to decay. Thorough brushing is necessary to clean these surfaces, and parents should supervise this process closely.
To provide protection, dental sealants are strongly recommended for permanent molars as soon as they erupt. A sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted onto the chewing surface to fill the deep grooves, creating a smooth barrier against decay-causing plaque and bacteria. The first permanent molars should ideally be sealed around age six or seven, and the second permanent molars should be sealed around age twelve.
Parents should consult a pediatric dentist if their child has not erupted any teeth by 18 months, which is considered a significant delay. If a primary molar is lost too early due to injury or decay, or if a permanent molar does not appear within several months of its expected time, a dental evaluation is necessary. The dentist can use X-rays to assess the developing teeth beneath the gums and ensure the permanent teeth have a clear path to erupt properly.