How Can You Soothe Your Baby’s Teething Pain?

The phrase “cutting teeth” doesn’t sound enjoyable — and if you have an infant or toddler in the house, you’ve probably had that verified.

So, what can you do to make your little one’s teething experience a little less unpleasant as they go from toothless to a mouthful of chompers?

Pediatrician Lisa Diard, MD, offers tips to give them some relief.

5 teething remedies

Most children begin cutting teeth by the time they’re 6 months old. Over the next two years or so, a total of 20 baby teeth will develop in their jawbones before erupting and breaking through their gums.

Every baby is different, but teething can bring fussiness and irritability as each tooth pops up.

“Discomfort from teething should be pretty mild,” says Dr. Diard. “And any symptoms your baby shows — like swollen gums or even a slight temperature — should only last a few days as each tooth erupts.”

But nobody wants to see their baby uncomfortable, especially if it unlocks another level of crabbiness. Here’s how you can help your little tyke feel their best as they’re filling their mouth with teeth.

1. Massage their gums

Give your baby a literal helping hand by massaging their tender gums with your fingers.

Gently pressing on their gums with your fingers can bring relief by applying counter-pressure against any teeth pushing up. (That’s also why babies naturally feel the urge to chew on anything in sight while teething.)

Massaging the gums may also distract nerves in your child’s mouth from the pain, which can lessen that “owie” feeling. And light rubbing can increase blood flow to the gums to help out.

“You can try this frequently throughout the day if your baby seems to like it,” says Dr. Diard.

Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before and after sticking them in your baby’s mouth. You don’t want to deal with a baby with a cold when they’re also in the midst of teething.

2. Teething rings and toys

Giving your baby a teething ring or toy can offer the same soothing effect as a massage. (But in this case, your fingers don’t get gummed.)

Biting down on a teething toy provides that counter-pressure against erupting teeth to help ease soreness. Chewing can also be a welcome distraction from any discomfort your infant may be feeling.

“They can help teach your baby to self-soothe, too,” notes Dr. Diard.

Choose teethers specially designed with no small parts that can bring choking worries. Most have handles for little fingers to grasp, which can also help your child develop their grip, coordination and fine motor skills.

3. Chilled washcloths or teething rings

Chewing on something cool can numb inflamed gums and reduce swelling, which can make teething pain less intense. A clean washcloth that’s been dampened and chilled in the refrigerator can get the job done.

Many teething rings or toys (like those mentioned above) are designed to be chilled, too — but don’t put them in the freezer.

“Freezing teething toys can make them so hard and cold that they hurt your baby’s gums,” cautions Dr. Diard. “The fridge will get them cool enough to provide relief.”

4. Cold, soft foods

If you’re introducing solid foods while your baby is cutting teeth, certain cold and easy-to-eat yum-yums — like chilled applesauce, yogurt or mashed-up bananas — can be doubly good choices.

“These foods can deliver nutrition while also helping to soothe irritated gums,” says Dr. Diard.

5. Pain relievers

If other measures aren’t doing the trick, a dose of pain relief medication may help.

“A day or two of Tylenol® (acetaminophen) is OK for babies if they’re old enough and need a little extra pain relief,” states Dr. Diard. “You don’t want to use it longer than that without speaking to a children’s pediatrician or healthcare provider.”

Tylenol also shouldn’t be given to babies younger than 3 months old unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Always follow the dosing amounts and timeframes recommended for age and weight.

If your baby is at least 6 months old, children’s ibuprofen (children’s Advil®) may be an option. Again, make sure to follow the instructions on the medication.

Dr. Diard adds that if your baby seems to need a pain reliever for more than a day or two, something other than teething may be causing their pain. Connect with a healthcare provider for answers.

Teething remedies to avoid

You may be tempted to try anything to help your fussy baby feel better while teething, but some products can do more harm than good. Dr. Diard cautions against using these items.

• Teething biscuits: Hard foods can be a choking hazard to new eaters. Plus, many teething biscuits and cookies don’t offer much nutritional value.
• Topical medications: Rub-on gels wash out of a baby’s mouth quickly and don’t offer much lasting relief. More concerning, though, is that numbing agents like benzocaine or lidocaine can cause serious side effects or increase choking risk.
• Teething necklaces: Beaded necklaces made from wood, amber, marble and other materials have emerged as an alternative treatment for teething pain. The American Academy of Pediatrics says they’re unproven and a choking and strangulation risk.

Final thoughts

While teething may feel like a long journey of drool, chewing and crankiness, it’s a normal part of your child’s development — and one that typically doesn’t require anything fancy to help them through.

“The best teething remedies are usually the simplest ones,” reinforces Dr. Diard. “If your baby seems especially uncomfortable or has symptoms that last longer than a few days, check in with their pediatrician to make sure nothing else is going on.”