Published: September 2025
Last Updated: September 2, 2026
Sources Reviewed: September 2, 2026
By Adel Galal, Parnthub
Medical note: I am not a dermatologist or a doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice. What I share comes from real-life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers. Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Infant molar teething can catch parents by surprise.
Your child may have handled the first few teeth with little trouble.
Then the back gums look sore.
Chewing starts again.
Sleep may change.
Your child may want more comfort than usual.
Many parents call this infant molar teething. In fact, most baby molars arrive during the toddler years.
The good news is simple.
Molar teething is normal.
Most discomfort is mild.
Safe relief does not need strong gels, special necklaces, or complicated home remedies.
As a father of four and grandfather of four, I have learned that simple care is often the most useful care. Watch the child, not just the tooth. Use safe comfort first. Know which symptoms are not caused by teething.
This guide explains molar teething symptoms, the real timeline, safe relief, sleep help, dental care, and the warning signs every parent should know.
Quick Answer About Infant Molar Teething
Infant molar teething usually refers to the larger baby teeth at the back of the mouth.
The first baby molars commonly appear around 13 to 19 months in the upper jaw and 14 to 18 months in the lower jaw.
The second baby molars usually appear later. Upper second molars often erupt around 25 to 33 months. Lower second molars often appear around 23 to 31 months.
Common signs may include sore gums, extra chewing, drooling, mild fussiness, and trouble settling to sleep.
A true fever, repeated vomiting, significant diarrhea, severe pain, facial swelling, or a child who looks very sick should not simply be blamed on teething.
Safe comfort includes a clean finger gum massage, suitable safe teething toys, cool foods when age appropriate, and a cool damp washcloth.
Avoid benzocaine, lidocaine, alcohol, amber necklaces, teething jewelry, and unsafe homeopathic teething products.
What is infant molar teething?
Molars are the broad teeth at the back of the mouth.
They help crush and chew food.
Children get two sets of baby molars on each side.
These are part of the 20 primary teeth that most children have by about age 3.
When a molar moves through the gum, the area may become tender.
Your child may bite or chew more because pressure on the gum can feel good.
The gums may also look a little red or puffy.
For the full tooth order, see our Infant Teeth Growth Guide.
When do baby molars come in?
The baby teeth eruption timeline is not exact.
Children do not all get teeth on the same day or month.
The American Dental Association gives these common ranges.
| Baby Molar | Upper Teeth | Lower Teeth |
|---|---|---|
| First molars | 13 to 19 months | 14 to 18 months |
| Second molars | 25 to 33 months | 23 to 31 months |
The NHS gives a simpler guide.
It places first molars around 12 months and second molars around 24 months.
Both are guides.
A healthy child can be earlier or later.
First Molars Versus Second Molars
First Molars
First molars usually arrive after many of the front teeth.
They appear before the canine teeth in the usual tooth order.
They are often the first broad chewing teeth your child gets.
Parents may notice more chewing at this stage because children are also eating a wider range of solid foods.
Second Molars
Second molars arrive farther back in the mouth.
They are usually among the final baby teeth to appear.
This often happens around age 2.
Some children are closer to age 3 when the last molars finish coming in.
By then, your child is clearly in the toddler stage.
Our Complete Toddler Guide has more help for sleep, eating, behaviour, development, and health during this age.
Are Molars More Painful Than Front Teeth?
You may hear that molars always hurt more because they are bigger.
It is not that simple.
Molars do have a wider chewing surface than front teeth.
But every child reacts differently to baby molar eruption.
One child may become very fussy.
Another may get a new molar with almost no sign at all.
Do not assume severe pain is normal just because the tooth is a molar.
Severe or lasting pain should be checked.
Common Infant Molar Teething Symptoms
Normal molar teething symptoms are usually mild.
Several signs may happen at the same time.
1. Sore or Red Gums
The gum near the new tooth may look red.
It may also feel firm or slightly raised.
You may see the pale edge of a tooth under the gum.
Mild swollen gums can happen as the tooth comes through.
2. More Chewing
Your child may bite toys, fingers, spoons, or other safe objects.
Chewing gives pressure to the gum.
This pressure can feel soothing.
Offer something that was made for safe chewing.
3. Extra Drooling
Drooling is common during infancy and toddlerhood.
Some children drool more while teething.
Wet skin around the mouth can become red.
Gently pat the skin dry.
Change wet bibs when needed.
Remember that not all drooling is caused by teeth.
Read our Infant Drooling Guide if you want to know what is normal and when drooling may need attention.
4. Mild Fussiness
Your child may want to be held more.
They may become upset more easily.
They may have less patience with meals or bedtime.
This should normally be mild.
5. Sleep Changes
Teething at night may make settling harder.
Your child may wake and want comfort.
But not every sleep problem at age 1 or 2 is caused by teeth.
Development, hunger, illness, separation anxiety, naps, and routine changes can also affect sleep.
6. Eating Changes
Your toddler may prefer softer food for a day or two.
Chewing hard food may feel less comfortable when the gum is tender.
Your child should still be able to drink.
Refusing most fluids is not something to ignore.
7. Rubbing the Face or Ear
Some children touch their cheek or ear when the jaw area feels uncomfortable.
This does not prove teething.
Ear infections can also cause ear pulling.
Look at the whole child.
If there is fever, ear discharge, severe pain, unusual crying, or illness, contact a healthcare professional.
Does Molar Teething Cause Fever?
A true fever should not be blamed on teething.
The NHS notes that some babies may have a slight temperature rise below 38°C.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that fever is not a true symptom of teething.
So if the temperature reaches 38°C or 100.4°F or higher, look for another cause.
Your child may have an infection at the same time that a molar is coming in.
The timing can be confusing.
Do not let the visible tooth distract you from signs of illness.
Does Molar Teething Cause Diarrhea?
No good evidence shows that teething causes diarrhea.
Loose or watery stools can happen because of infection, diet changes, medicines, or other causes.
Contact your child's healthcare professional if diarrhea is strong, continues, or comes with signs of dehydration.
Does Molar Teething Cause Vomiting?
Vomiting is not a normal teething symptom.
Repeated vomiting needs another explanation.
Get medical advice if your child cannot keep fluids down or seems very sleepy or unwell.
Does Molar Teething Cause a Bad Diaper Rash?
Teething does not make the diaper area suddenly sensitive.
A rash around the mouth may happen because of saliva.
A strong diaper rash should not automatically be called a teething rash.
Look for another cause.
Safe Infant Molar Teething Relief
Good teething pain relief can be very simple.
1. Give a Gentle Gum Massage
Wash your hands.
Use a clean finger.
Press and rub the tender area gently.
A light gum massage can give useful pressure to the gum.
Stop if your child does not like it.
2. Offer Safe Teething Toys
Rubber or plastic safe teething toys can help.
Choose a product made for your child's age.
Check it before every use.
Do not use it if it is cracked or damaged.
Avoid liquid filled teethers that can leak or break.
3. Try a Cool Damp Washcloth
Wet a clean washcloth with water.
Cool it.
Let your child chew it while you supervise.
Cool pressure can soothe sore gums.
Do not give a rock-hard frozen object directly to the child.
4. Offer Cool Water
A child old enough to drink water can take small sips of cool water.
This may feel nice when the back gums are tender.
Use the cup your child normally drinks from.
5. Choose Soft Cool Foods
Older babies and toddlers who already eat solids may prefer soft cool food.
Examples can include plain yogurt or chilled fruit puree if those foods are already safe and familiar for your child.
Always supervise eating.
Use safe shapes and textures.
Avoid hard food pieces that may cause choking.
6. Give Extra Comfort
Hold your child.
Read a book.
Sing.
Walk together.
Play quietly.
A small distraction can help when the gum feels sore.
Simple comfort matters.
Can Medicine Help Molar Teething Pain?
Most children can start with simple comfort measures.
If your child seems very uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician, family doctor, dentist, or pharmacist about an appropriate pain medicine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that acetaminophen may sometimes be used for a child who is very uncomfortable.
Use medicine only in the correct dose.
The dose depends on the child, the product, and often the child's weight.
Do not guess.
Do not keep giving pain medicine for many days without finding out why the pain continues.
What Should Parents Avoid for Molar Teething?
This section matters just as much as the relief tips.
Avoid Benzocaine
Do not use benzocaine teething products for young children.
The FDA warns that benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia.
This is a serious blood problem.
It makes it harder for blood to carry oxygen.
Avoid Lidocaine
Lidocaine should not be used as a home teething treatment.
The FDA and AAP warn that it can be dangerous for young children.
Avoid Amber Teething Necklaces
Amber necklaces do not have good proof that they relieve teething pain.
They can create a choking or strangulation risk.
The same concern applies to teething bracelets and other jewelry.
Avoid Alcohol
Never rub alcohol on a child's gums.
Do not use alcoholic drinks or rubbing alcohol as a teething remedy.
Avoid Homeopathic Teething Products
The FDA has warned about homeopathic teething tablets and gels.
Some have contained ingredients in unsafe amounts.
Safer ways to soothe the gum are available.
Avoid Essential Oils on the Gums
Do not rub clove oil or other essential oils directly on a baby's or toddler's gums unless a qualified healthcare professional has specifically advised it.
Natural does not always mean safe.
Avoid Frozen Solid Objects
Cold can help.
Rock-hard frozen objects can hurt tender gum tissue.
Use cool comfort instead.
How to Help Molar Teething at Night
Night can feel hard during toddler teething.
Keep the routine calm.
- Check for signs of illness first.
- Offer a cool teether before bed.
- Try gentle gum pressure.
- Keep the normal bedtime routine.
- Give quiet comfort if your child wakes.
- Ask a healthcare professional about pain medicine if discomfort seems strong.
Do not put teething toys, necklaces, loose cloths, or unsafe objects into a baby's sleep space.
For children who are now in the toddler stage, our Toddler Guide can help with broader sleep and routine changes.
How Long Does Molar Teething Last?
There is no exact timer.
Teething discomfort usually comes and goes.
A child may seem uncomfortable for a short period around the time the tooth moves through the gum.
Then the symptoms may settle.
Another tooth may start later.
This can make teething feel like one long event.
But severe daily pain for weeks is not something to accept as normal without a check.
What Does a Molar Look Like Coming Through?
You may first notice a firm bump at the back of the mouth.
The gum may look a little red.
A small pale area may appear.
Then part of the tooth becomes visible.
A molar has a broad chewing surface.
More of the tooth will become visible as it erupts.
Do not cut the gum or try to help the tooth come through.
Let it erupt naturally.
Can a Blue or Purple Bump Appear Over a New Molar?
Sometimes a small fluid-filled area can appear over an erupting tooth.
This is often called an eruption cyst.
Some can look blue or purple if a little blood is inside.
Many settle as the tooth comes through.
But do not diagnose a mouth lump yourself.
Ask a dentist to look at a new, large, painful, bleeding, infected, or persistent bump.
When Should You Call a Doctor or Dentist?
Teething should not make a child seriously ill.
Get medical or dental advice if your child has:
- A fever of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher
- Repeated vomiting
- Significant or lasting diarrhea
- Severe or nonstop pain
- Very poor drinking
- Much less urine than normal
- Unusual sleepiness
- Trouble breathing
- A spreading rash
- Strong facial swelling
- Pus around a tooth or gum
- A foul smell with swelling or pain
- Bleeding that does not stop
- A mouth injury
- Symptoms that continue to get worse
Also get advice if you cannot tell whether the pain comes from a tooth, ear, throat, or another problem.
How to Care for New Molars
A new molar needs care as soon as it appears.
Baby teeth can get cavities.
The grooves on molars can hold food and plaque.
This makes good oral health important.
Brush Twice Each Day
Use a soft child-sized toothbrush.
Brush every erupted tooth.
Pay attention to the back molars.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under age 3.
The amount should be about the size of a grain of rice.
Parents should do or closely help with the brushing.
Do Not Put a Child to Bed With Sugary Drinks
Frequent sugar exposure can raise cavity risk.
Avoid letting milk, juice, or sweet drinks sit around the teeth through the night.
Keep Dental Visits Regular
The first dental visit should happen when the first tooth appears or no later than the first birthday.
If your toddler already has molars and has never seen a dentist, now is a good time to make an appointment.
For more help, read our Toddler Dental Health Guide.
Can New Molars Get Cavities?
Yes.
Baby molars have grooves on their chewing surfaces.
Food and plaque can collect there.
Brush the back teeth carefully.
Ask your dentist about your child's personal cavity risk.
Our Early Childhood Tooth Decay Guide explains how cavities start and how parents can lower the risk.
Molar Teething Myths
Myth: Molars Always Cause Severe Pain
Fact: Some children have more discomfort than others. Severe pain should not automatically be blamed on teething.
Myth: Teething Causes Fever
Fact: A true fever is not a normal teething symptom.
Myth: Teething Causes Diarrhea
Fact: Evidence does not show that teething causes diarrhea.
Myth: Amber Necklaces Ease Molar Pain
Fact: They are not proven to work and may cause choking or strangulation.
Myth: Numbing Gel Is the Best Fast Relief
Fact: Benzocaine and lidocaine can be dangerous for young children.
Myth: Frozen Objects Work Better Than Cool Ones
Fact: Very hard frozen objects may hurt tender gums.
Simple Molar Teething Checklist
- Look for mild gum tenderness
- Watch for extra chewing
- Offer safe teething toys
- Try gentle gum massage
- Use cool comfort
- Offer age-appropriate soft foods
- Keep your child drinking
- Do not blame fever on teething
- Avoid benzocaine
- Avoid lidocaine
- Avoid amber necklaces
- Avoid alcohol
- Brush every new molar
- Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3
- Keep regular dental visits
Conclusion
Infant molar teething is a normal stage, even though most molars arrive during the toddler years.
Look for mild signs such as tender gums, chewing, drooling, and small sleep changes.
Use safe pressure and cool comfort first.
Avoid risky numbing products and teething jewelry.
Most important, do not let the word teething hide signs of illness.
If your child has fever, severe pain, vomiting, significant diarrhea, swelling, poor drinking, or looks unwell, contact a qualified healthcare professional.
Your next step: Check your child's back gums today, inspect every teething toy for damage, and brush any erupted molars twice a day.
References and Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren: Teething Pain Relief
- United States Food and Drug Administration: Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children
- NHS: Baby Teething Symptoms
- American Dental Association: Primary Tooth Development Chart
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Parent Dental FAQ
More Parnthub Baby and Toddler Guides
- Baby Teething Signs Timeline and Safe Relief
- Infant Teeth Growth and Tooth Timeline
- Infant Drooling Guide
- Newborn Gum Care
- Newborn Dental Care Guide
- Toddler Dental Health Guide
- Early Childhood Tooth Decay Guide
Baby Care Hub: Find feeding, sleep, health, development, teething, dental care, and safety help in our Complete Baby Care Guide.
Toddler Hub: For children ages 1 to 3, explore sleep, eating, behaviour, development, health, safety, and dental care in our Complete Toddler Guide.
About the Author
Adel Galal
Founder of Parnthub
Father of four
Grandfather of four
More than three decades of real parenting experience
I created Parnthub to make parenting information easier to understand.
I have raised four children and now share the parenting journey with four grandchildren.
That experience has taught me one thing again and again.
Parents need clear answers.
They also need to know when a problem is normal and when it deserves professional care.
My articles combine real family experience with research from trusted medical, dental, and public health sources.
I am not a dermatologist or a doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice. What I share comes from real-life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers. Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Learn more about Adel Galal and Parnthub.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Molar Teething
When do first baby molars come in?
Upper first baby molars commonly erupt around 13 to 19 months. Lower first molars commonly appear around 14 to 18 months. Every child is unique.
When do second baby molars come in?
Upper second molars often appear around 25 to 33 months. Lower second molars often appear around 23 to 31 months.
What are the signs of molar teething?
Common signs may include tender or red gums, chewing, drooling, mild fussiness, and some trouble settling to sleep.
Are molars more painful than other baby teeth?
Not always. Molars are broad teeth, but children react differently. Severe or lasting pain should not automatically be blamed on teething.
What helps molar teething pain?
Try gentle gum massage, a safe rubber or plastic teether, or a cool damp washcloth. Older babies and toddlers may also enjoy suitable cool soft foods.
Can molar teething cause fever?
A true fever should not be blamed on teething. A temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher may be caused by illness and deserves attention.
Can molar teething cause diarrhea?
No good evidence shows that teething causes diarrhea. Significant or lasting diarrhea should be assessed separately.
Is benzocaine safe for molar teething?
No. The FDA warns against benzocaine teething products for young children because they can cause a serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. They are not proven to relieve teething pain and can create choking or strangulation risks.
Should I brush a molar as soon as it appears?
Yes. Brush every erupted tooth twice a day. For children under 3, current pediatric dental guidance recommends a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.
