I am planning to place a call to my dentist, but my husband and I recently realized that our son who will be 3 on 7/31, does NOT have his 2-year molars yet! I've counted and double-counted but there are only 16 teeth in that little mouth. There is no indication that they will be forthcoming anytime soon, either, so we are concerned. Should we be?

I've done some preliminary research, but everything I've found indicates that even though there's a range of time during which the 2-year molars can erupt, it should have happened BY NOW. My son's baby teeth did start coming in relatively late (8 1/2 months), but then they came in like gangbusters and he's had the full 16 for probably a year already. That's why I thought he had them ALL.

However, I'm somewhat of a dental anomaly myself in that I never formed 7 permanent teeth, so is it possible that maybe he doesn't HAVE 2-year molars? Of course I know only an X-ray will determine that, but is it possible?

I asked my dentist a long time ago when he'd first want to see Jack and he said not until he was around 4, but I'm sure when I call and explain this situation, they'll want to see him sooner than later.

But before I call, any insight you can provide into dental development in toddlers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi,

The "two" year molars come in on average between 24-32 months. This means that there are plenty of normal kids who have these teeth come in between three and four years.

My daughter had her first tooth come in at 15 months. Really delayed, but all sparkling teeth and a full mouth of them at age 20.

Could they be missing? I guess, especially considering the history you have of "different" teeth. Generally dentists like to see kids between 1-3 years and I would personally question the wisdom at this time of xray exposure just to see if they are there. If they are not, can't do anything about it. If they are there, can't do anything about it.

Good luck, dr. Olson