Around the age of 6, your child starts losing their baby teeth. Their 6-year-old molars are the first adult teeth to erupt! This can cause pain, discomfort, and teething symptoms all over again. Swollen, aching gums, a fever, and an upset tummy are some of the common symptoms of 6-year molars. Address these symptoms with a soft food diet, cold food, and warm water salt rinses.
Don’t forget to bring your child in for a check-up at Brisbane Paediatric Dentist! We treat children between the ages of 5 and 12, and we specialise in treating children with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Book an appointment – we can’t wait to meet your kids!
Why Are 6-Year Molars Difficult?
6-year molars, also referred to as first molars, are the very first adult teeth to erupt, so they can be painful and extremely sensitive. It’s like going back to the teething phase all over again! Your child will be sore, uncomfortable, and grumpy for a short time.
6-Year Molars Symptoms Your Child May Experience
Common 6-year molars symptoms include:
- Inflammation in the gums
- Tenderness in the gums
- Swelling in the affected area
- Aching jaw pain
- A throbbing headache
- Stomach troubles
- Low-grade fever
- Unusual sleep disturbances
- Irritability and grumpiness
How to Ease 6-Year-Old Molars Pain
Good news, parents – there are steps you can take to ease your child’s pain and discomfort until those permanent molars are out. Try these tips to maintain their oral health and keep them comfortable.
Soft Food Diet
Your child should avoid hard, sticky foods during this time. Molars are designed for chewing and grinding food, so it’ll be hard for your child to eat solid food properly. Stick to a soft food diet for a short time. Soup, mash, jelly, and custard are the order of the day!
Cold Foods for Numbing
Healthy popsicles can be a lifesaver. Put some fruit and coconut water into popsicle moulds and freeze them. Give your child one when their molar teeth are sore. It’s a great low-sugar snack that can relieve pain by numbing the gum. Your child can also sip on ice water during the day.
We recommend avoiding ice cream and store-bought popsicles, as they are high in sugar. When our child’s 6-year molars are in this state, added sugar could invite an infection and may increase inflammation.
Warm Salt Water Rinses
Rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day can reduce inflammation. Less inflammation = less swelling and feeling better. The salt can also help speed up tissue healing and improve dental health.
Prescribed Medication
If the above treatments don’t work, you can ask your paediatrician to prescribe pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen, for those permanent molars. This should be a last resort, though!
Visit Brisbane Paediatric Dentist
Once your child’s permanent teeth start coming in, it’s essential to get a dental check-up. Book an appointment with us and get your child’s dental health off to the best possible start.
We’re qualified and experienced in treating children from the age of 5 upwards. We also specialise in providing caring, pain-free dental treatment for sensitive children and children with developmental and cognitive disabilities.
Don’t let ADHD, ASD, Down Syndrome, autoimmune conditions, or other conditions stop your little one from getting excellent dental care. We’re here to help them maintain healthy teeth!
6-Year-Old Molars FAQs
Do molars always come in at age 6?
Not always! You might have a child with 5-year molars or 7-year molars. 6 years is the most common age, but it might not always be spot on.
How long do symptoms of 6-year molars last?
6-year molar pain lasts for about a week. However, be aware that all children are different. Your child might have pain for a day or so, or if you’re lucky, they won’t have any symptoms at all!
When should you get medical help?
If your child develops an infection or a tooth abscess, you’ll need to get medical help as soon as possible. Here are the symptoms of a 6-year molar eruption infection:
- Discomfort lasting for more than a week
- Pus coming from the gums
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Bad odour coming from the mouth
- A persistent low-grade, mild fever (more than 72 hours)
- A high-grade fever
