Teething
Typical Signs of Teething
Many babies start teething around 6 months old, though some may begin earlier. Usually, the lower front teeth come in first, followed by the upper front teeth. Signs your baby may be teething include:
- More drooling than usual
- Extra chewing or biting on toys
- Swollen or sensitive gums
- Crankiness or irritability
- A mild facial rash from drool
- Slightly higher temperature (without a true fever)
Parents often worry about symptoms like consistent crying, diarrhea, or high fever. However, teething does not usually cause these issues. If these symptoms appear, contact a healthcare professional.
Effective Ways to Soothe Gum Discomfort
Help your child during teething with simple, gentle methods to relieve gum pain and soothe them.
Gently Massaging the Gums
You can use a clean finger or a piece of wet gauze to gently rub your baby’s gums for one to two minutes. This light pressure may help relieve pain and discomfort. For children over one year, you can wrap some ice in a soft cloth and gently use it on the gums for extra soothing.
Using Chilled (Not Frozen) Items
Cool items often help, but should not be frozen. You can refrigerate:
- Teething rings (choose ones filled with distilled water, not gel)
- Pacifiers
- Wet washcloths or small cloth toys
Important
Do not dip chilled items in sweet substances, as this can lead to tooth decay. Always supervise your child to prevent choking. Children over one year can have small pieces of chilled fruit inside a mesh teether, but do not give whole fruits or hard foods that could cause choking. Avoid using ice cubes or frozen pops, as these can hurt delicate gums.
Baby-Safe Pain Relief Options
If your baby is very fussy, you may consider a doctor-approved infant pain reliever. You can use medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for short periods (no longer than one to two days). Always follow the doctor’s instructions and the medication’s directions to keep your baby safe.
Offering Milk or Formula in a Cup
If your baby does not want to breastfeed because of gum pain, try offering milk in a cup, with a spoon, or a feeding syringe. Switching to cup feeding for a short time can help keep your baby nourished during teething.
Unsafe or Ineffective Remedies to Avoid
Some teething treatments are not safe or proven. Avoid:
- Homeopathic Teething Tablets and Gels: These are not well-studied and may contain unsafe substances like Atropa belladonna, which can cause serious health problems.
- Teething Medicines with Local Anesthetics: These ingredients are dangerous for infants and can cause serious harm.
- Teething Necklaces, Bracelets, or Anklets: Jewelry items can cause choking, strangulation, mouth injuries, or skin infections.
Table: Unsafe vs. Safe Remedies
| Safe Remedies | Unsafe Remedies |
|---|---|
| Rubbing gums with clean finger | Teething necklaces, bracelets, anklets |
| Chilled teething rings | Homeopathic teething tablets or gels |
| Wet washcloth (chilled, not frozen) | Medicines with local anesthetics |
| Baby acetaminophen (if directed) | Sweetened or frozen foods that cause choking |
When to Reach Out to a Health Care Professional
Most teething symptoms are mild. Contact a healthcare provider if:
- The baby is very upset and cannot be comforted
- Eating, drinking, or sleeping is difficult
- There is diarrhea or a higher fever
- Symptoms get worse or do not go away
A professional can check for other illnesses or provide more advice.
Keeping New Teeth Clean and Healthy
You can clean your baby’s gums even before teeth appear by using a soft, moist cloth after feeding, especially in the morning and before bedtime. This helps remove leftover milk, sugars, and germs.
When the first tooth comes in, use a small, soft brush with a dab of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Brush twice daily, morning and night. Continue using a small amount of toothpaste until your child learns to spit, then increase to a pea-sized amount.
Schedule a dental appointment by your child’s first birthday or when teeth first appear. The dentist may apply a fluoride varnish if extra protection is needed. Ask about healthy eating, pacifier habits, and safe brushing methods. The dentist can also give tips to prevent dental injuries as your child becomes more active.
Encourage healthy oral habits early. Avoid giving bottles at bedtime, as this can cause tooth decay. Watch for habits like finger sucking or pacifier use, and ask the dental team about them during checkups.
