6 Year Molars & Losing Baby Teeth: What to Expect

6 Year Molars & Losing Baby Teeth: What to Expect

After experiencing baby teething and the eruption of the 2-year molars with your little one, you may think that your child’s teething journey is complete, but they still have several phases to complete! All of your child’s baby teeth will be replaced by adult teeth between the ages of 6 and 12, and there are still additional sets of new, permanent teeth that will erupt: the 6 year molars, 12 year molars, and wisdom teeth.

 

When Do Children Lose Baby Teeth

Between the ages of 6 and 12, your child will lose all 20 of their baby teeth. If their baby teeth erupted prior to 6 or 7 months, your child will likely start to lose these teeth early, too, closer to 5 years old. Genetics play a large role in determining when your child’s baby teeth fall out and their adult teeth come in. Typically, kids lose their top 4 teeth and bottom 4 teeth between ages 6 and 8. The remaining 12 teeth, which are canines and molars, are lost between ages 10 and 12.

Some kids think losing teeth is exciting, while others find it uncomfortable and strange. If your child seems bothered, try explaining that losing teeth and growing new ones is a normal part of growing up.

What Teeth Come in at 6 Years Old

6-year molars erupt behind their 2-year molars. The 6-year molars represent new growth, meaning they don’t replace any baby teeth.

When your child’s 6-year molars erupt, symptoms can include headaches, cheek biting, and ear or jaw pain, all of which typically last a few days. Fevers aren’t a common symptom of 6-year molars, but low-grade fevers and swelling can occur. Anterior teeth usually erupt with fewer symptoms than adult molars. When the teeth erupt, warm salt water rinses can help combat inflammation. Ibuprofen can help ease painful symptoms, but most kids won’t need it.

Signs of Molar Eruption

When permanent molars begin to emerge, several baby teeth may loosen, and the gum line may look swollen or tender. Parents might also notice a new tooth pushing near the back teeth or front teeth, shifting slightly to make space. Common changes include tooth breaks through the gum tissue, late tooth eruption in some cases, and a child’s face appearing puffy where molars come in. Paying attention to these signs helps track dental health and supports a smoother transition.

Oral Hygiene During Tooth Transition

As primary teeth fall out and new molars arrive, oral hygiene is essential for protecting surrounding teeth and preventing dental decay. A soft-bristle toothbrush paired with fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen chewing surfaces and reduce pain caused by sore gums. Children should also be encouraged to care for their own teeth daily, focusing on the upper and lower areas where food collects. Regular cleaning supports healthy teeth and builds long-term habits for dental health.

Why Timing Varies: Genetics & Growth Patterns

Molar eruption can happen at different ages depending on family members and genetic factors. Some children experience a new tooth earlier, while others may have a late tooth eruption. Eating patterns, a nutritious diet, and solid foods also influence how and when first molars or new molars come in. Most children follow a similar timeline, but variations make sense given differences in growth, chewing surfaces, and how permanent teeth start to emerge.

What to Eat During Molar Eruption

 

During molar eruption, a child’s teeth can become sensitive as sore gums and tender chewing surfaces make eating more difficult. You may notice they avoid solid foods or pull back from favorites when a new tooth breaks through. To help with pain relief, offer soft foods and small portions that are gentle on the gum line. Instead of handing them a whole apple, slice it thinly to protect the teeth, or divide sandwiches to reduce pressure on erupting back teeth. Using wet gauze to gently massage the gum tissue can also soothe discomfort and support dental health.

Start the day with cold food options like smoothies, which are soft and packed with nutrition. Blending fruits and leafy greens gives energy while remaining easy on a child’s molars. For additional comfort, offer ice water alongside meals to calm gums and reduce pain during chewing. These simple adjustments ensure your child stays nourished as third molars and new molars gradually come in.

Healthy popsicles. Make a quick-prep dessert for your kid that can also combat swollen gums. Try these creamy and fruity papaya popsicles or these kiwi coconut chia popsicles. You can also freeze your favorite smoothie combination into popsicles to enjoy later. Short on time to make your own popsicles? Scoop Nurture Life’s baby purees into silicone molds for tasty and healthy homemade popsicles without having to blend the fruits or veggies yourself.

Chilled applesauce. Put this standby snack in the refrigerator before serving to your kid for a cool, sweet dessert.

Soups and chilis. Healthy, vegetable-filled soups and chilis can be soft, nutritious, easy-to-eat options for your child. Try a white bean chili or a hearty vegetable stew to maximize on vegetables, and for a meat option, opt for chicken in your chili. Choose smoother soups, like this 2-ingredient butternut squash soup, if your kid’s teeth are very loose or their gums are very sore.

Mashed or soft veggies. Think mashed sweet potatoes, lightly cooked vegetables, or spaghetti squash, options that aren’t too hard on the mouth but still nutritionally dense. Nurture Life’s balanced jars of finger foods offer the perfect texture and size of veggies for tender mouths!

Healthy tuna, chicken, or egg salad. Skip the mayo and substitute unflavored Greek yogurt or avocado to make healthier versions of these classic salads.

Nurture Life Meal Recommendations

If you order Nurture Life’s meal delivery for your little ones, we’ve also got plenty of options that are tender, soft and easy to eat for kids with erupting molars. The exact offerings on our kids meal menu vary each week, but here are a few recommended options to look out for:

• Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower: Veggies don’t get much softer than when they’re smoothly pureed like the cauliflower in our Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower. The soft whole wheat macaroni and creamy cheese sauce are easy on sore teeth while being mindful of a well-balanced diet for your little one.
• Penne Bolognese with Carrots: This hearty bolognese features carrots stewed with a warming blend of tomatoes, ground beef and pork. The sauce is paired with soft-cooked penne pasta for a meal that easy for sore mouths to chew and swallow.
• French Toast Sticks with Scrambled Eggs: For an energizing start to your kids’ day, this meal has it all. Our french toast sticks offer a generous dose of whole grains, while our scrambled eggs pack in 15g of protein. Both the eggs and French toast are easy-on-the-teeth options for a yummy and nutritious breakfast.

How can I help ease my child’s discomfort during molar eruption?

You can encourage your child to gently massage their gums with a soft toothbrush, provide cold foods like smoothies or chilled applesauce, or use warm saltwater rinses. Ibuprofen can be considered for significant discomfort, but consult with your pediatrician first.

Is it normal for my child to lose appetite during molar eruption?

Yes, children may have a reduced appetite or prefer softer foods while their molars are erupting. Providing easy-to-chew and softer foods can help ensure they continue to eat nutritiously.

Are fevers normal during teething?

Low-grade fevers can sometimes occur during teething, but high fevers (above 104°F) are not typical and should be evaluated by a pediatrician immediately.

When should I see a pediatrician or dentist?

During this stage, routine dental checkups give kids an opportunity to learn about healthy eating habits while also making sure their teeth are cavity-free. As their adult teeth begin to erupt, you’ll see how your child’s bite is developing and whether early orthodontics might be needed. X-rays can help track growth and development as well as assess surfaces in between teeth. Work with your child to take care of their teeth at home, especially as their adult teeth come in.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a call to the doctor or an emergency room visit if your child has a fever above 104 °F. Take behavior and activity level into account, too. Observe how your child behaves and whether they’re acting like themselves.

Losing baby teeth can be a bonding experience for you and your growing child. It’s also a great time to practice communication skills with your kid, as they may find losing their teeth disconcerting or can experience aches as their 6-year molars erupt. Encourage verbal communication, and do what you can to accommodate them by providing softer and cooler foods. Most importantly, continue to encourage healthy teeth cleaning practices so that your child maintains healthy and strong adult teeth.

For more information about Dr. Reena’s work at Growing Smiles, please visit the Growing Smiles website.

FAQ

What are 6-year molars, and when do they usually appear?

6-year molars are the first set of permanent molars that typically erupt around six years of age. They help shape a child’s bite and create space for other permanent teeth

How do permanent teeth differ from primary teeth and adult teeth?

Primary teeth, also called baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that erupt in a child’s mouth. Permanent teeth replace them over time, becoming adult teeth that last into maturity.

What are the first permanent molars, and why are they important?

They erupt behind the baby teeth without replacing any existing tooth.

When do a child’s teeth arrive, and what if the first tooth is late?

A child’s teeth arrive at different times, but the first one usually erupts within the first year of age. If permanent teeth emerge late, a dentist may check the gum line and surrounding growth.

How can a custom-fitted mouthguard help protect children’s teeth?

This shields a child’s teeth during sports or play. It helps prevent tooth breaks, damage to the front teeth, and protects molars as they erupt.

Why are 6-year molars important for a child’s dental development?

6-year molars act as the foundation for permanent teeth, guiding how the bite forms and how other teeth align. Caring for them early helps prevent tooth decay.