Today my youngest got to spend the day with me, he started running a low grade fever last night and acted like he didn’t feel very good. I decided that is was best to keep him home from daycare so that he could get some extra rest while I monitored his fever. It was nice being able to spend some one on one time with my baby. We enjoyed the extra snuggles and cuddles, we watched a few of his favorite shows on TV, and spent some time coloring.
I don’t like seeing my baby sick, especially, when I don’t know what is wrong with him. He has been drooling some and has a low grade fever. It makes me think that he might be trying to get his two year old molars in. In fact, when I felt his gums I thought that I could feel a tooth coming in just beneath the gum surface. Teething is never fun and often times makes for a very cranky toddler. As a mom, I wish I could just wave a magic wand and make the teething pain go away.
Disclosure: I am not a doctor, nurse, or health care provider. This post is for informational purposes only and never should replace getting your child medical treatment.
Two Year Molar Teething Symptoms
Most toddlers begin cutting their two year molars just shy of their second birthday and can last well into their third year depending on how quickly your child’s teeth come in. Molars are bigger so they tend to be more painful when they are breaking through the gums. What are some symptoms that could indicate that your toddler is beginning to get their two year old molars? The symptoms include:
- Mild or low grade fever
- Chewing on their hands, toys, or anything that they can get into their mouth
- Drooling
- Night waking, especially, if your toddler is normally a good sleeper
- Excessively cranky
- Swollen gums
- Ear pulling
- Rubbing on their cheek
Most of these symptoms should subside in two or three days; however, if the symptoms last longer then you should have your child seen by a health care provider or their doctor to rule out other illnesses that have similar symptoms to teething.
What Can I Do To Make My Toddler More Comfortable While They Are Teething?
If your toddler will allow you to reach into their mouth to feel their gums, you can attempt to see if you can feel the teeth coming in just beneath the gums. Do use caution, your toddler may bite you while attempting to feel his or her gums. You can attempt to make them more comfortable using these tips and techniques:
- Use pain reliever for pain and fever symptoms as directed by your child’s doctor (Note: get proper dosage from your child’s doctor).
- Break out your child’s old teething toys. Do offer them cold teething toys, if possible, to chew on to help relieve their pain.
- If your toddler is constantly drooling, keep a towel or soft cloth handy to pat their chin dry to avoid excessive irritation.
- Do call your doctor or dentist if your child’s gums are excessively swollen or appear to be infected.
- Offer your child extra cuddles and tender loving care to help soothe their pain.
- Avoid offering your child teething gels that numb their mouth. Doing so can cause your child to bite their tongue or possibly choke.
- Do call your child’s doctor if they continue to pull on their ears or run a fever for more than a few days. Teething pain can be felt in the ears.
- Offer your child soft foods if they don’t seem to have their normal appetite.
Teething can be a nightmare for both you and your toddler. Your toddler will likely be fussier than usual and may not be their usual self; however, your toddler should be back to their normal self in a few days. Find some activities to help distract your child during the day and keep your toddler as comfortable as possible. If your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night, try self soothing techniques before going in to check on your toddler. After all you wouldn’t want to start a new habit of nighttime cuddles or attention.
Teething Products That I Recommend for Teething Toddlers
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What did you do to help soothe your teething toddler?
