Behavior/Dental/Molars

The eruption of the 6-year first permanent molars can take a long time. They can first enter the mouth as early as age 5 for girls and 5 ½ for boys. However, 6 to 6 1/2 years is more the norm. It can be a long process for them to settle into their eventual position within the dental arch, although three to six months is not unusual. Most of the time parents are not even aware of the teeth erupting into the mouth. The process is slow and uneventful. There is usually very little discomfort, not at all like the baby teeth erupting in an infant. Therefore, I would not attribute behavioral changes to the eruption of the six year permanent molars.

There can, however, be the presence of an infection (pericoronitis) when food gets trapped under the tissue, (operculum) that sits on the top of the molar as it erupts through the gums. This tissue eventually sloughs away but it can cause some discomfort if it gets infected. I suggest that the dentist look at the tissue and see if it is either gone or if it is still present, making sure it is not infected. It could be very uncomfortable and possibly cause irritational behavioral changes.

There also could be other hidden problems, such as dental abscess in another location, sinus infection, or and ear infection that should be ruled out.

RM/TK 7-13-10