Being a parent, whether new or experienced, can pose challenges during the teething phase of a baby. Common signs of teething include drooling, crying, and irritability when the baby’s teeth are ready to erupt through the gum tissue.

Manisha Panchal, M.D., a pediatrician at Sutter, addresses queries regarding teething symptoms, methods to alleviate pain, and ways to maintain the health of new teeth.

Teething Relief Tips

There are several methods that can help relieve your baby’s teething discomfort:

• Give your baby something safe and clean to chew on, such as a teething ring or a cold washcloth.
• Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger to alleviate some of the pain.
• Offer cold foods or drinks, such as chilled applesauce or water, to help numb the gums.
• Use over-the-counter teething gels or medications as recommended by your pediatrician.

Remember, every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find out what works best for your little one. Always consult with your child’s healthcare provider if you have any concerns about their teething process.

Home Remedies

• Alleviate pain with a massage. Gently massage the baby’s gums with a clean finger or damp cloth to reduce pain and promote dental health.
• Try using a teething ring. Opt for rubber teething rings over liquid-filled ones, and avoid frozen rings to prevent extreme cold and potential discomfort.
• Offer a bottle. If a bottle provides relief, fill it with water to avoid exposing the baby to excess sugar.
• Provide ‘cool’ snacks. Offer cool foods like yogurt or applesauce to soothe gums. A cold washcloth can also be helpful.
• Consider store-bought remedies. Over-the-counter solutions such as Hyland’s Baby Teething Tablets or acetaminophen-based medications can offer relief.

When to Seek Help

If teething symptoms persist or worsen despite trying home remedies, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Severe pain could indicate an underlying issue such as an infection.

Common myths about teething, such as fever and diarrhea, lack medical backing. These symptoms may point to an infection instead.

In cases of dental delays or complications, seeking medical attention is essential, particularly if a primary tooth is lost due to injury.

It is important to monitor your child’s teething progress and seek professional help if there are any concerns or unusual symptoms. Regular dental check-ups are also recommended to ensure proper oral health from an early age.

Dental Health

Initiating oral hygiene practices early on is crucial. Wipe new teeth with a washcloth or finger toothbrush. Use non-fluoridated toothpaste after the age of 1 and promote good dental habits.

Teething can be challenging for parents due to disrupted sleep and the need for constant soothing. Seek ways to alleviate discomfort and remember that this phase is temporary.

Recognizing Teething

• Increased drooling. Excessive drooling is a common indication of teething.
• Chewing on objects. Babies may chew on various items to ease discomfort.
• Heightened fussiness. Teething can lead to increased restlessness.
• Pulling at ears. Tugging at ears may indicate teething discomfort.

Teething signs vary, with some babies starting the process earlier or later than others. When in doubt, consult a professional.

Additional Teething Remedies

1. Fruit or Veggie Teether

Relieve sore gums and provide a healthy distraction by offering frozen fruit or veggie puree in a mesh teether.

2. Breastmilk or Formula Popsicles

For simple and comforting relief, freeze breastmilk or formula for your baby.

3. Safe Teething Toys

Prevent choking hazards by opting for solid rubber or silicone toys instead of liquid-filled or multi-part ones.

4. Frozen Washcloth or Pacifier

Provide gentle pressure and numbing relief by offering a frozen, damp washcloth or pacifier.

5. Natural Teething Gel

Choose teething gels with natural ingredients like chamomile for a safer alternative.

6. Caution with Teething Gels

Exercise caution with teething gels containing harmful substances like Benzocaine, opting for safer alternatives.

If other methods prove ineffective, consider using Infant Tylenol as a last resort to manage pain. Administer it every four hours as needed for added comfort when your baby is exceptionally uncomfortable. Additionally, Ibuprofen can be an alternative choice for babies over 6 months old, to be given every six hours.

Prior to administering any medication, always consult your pediatrician to ensure correct dosage and your baby’s safety.

What About Celery and Green Onions for Teething?

You may have come across suggestions online regarding the use of celery and green onions to alleviate teething pain in babies. While these options offer natural relief, they also carry potential risks.

Celery contains eugenol, a numbing compound that can act as a mild anesthetic, while green onions possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce gum swelling and irritation. They also have natural pain-relieving qualities.

However, both celery and green onions can break into small pieces, posing choking hazards. Although they can help ease teething discomfort, the use of vegetables as a remedy is generally not recommended.

Always Remember That This is Temporary

Teething is a transient phase that will eventually pass as your baby’s teeth emerge. While it may present challenges, there are strategies to facilitate this period for both you and your little one.

During the teething process, your baby may experience symptoms such as drooling, irritability, and discomfort. To help alleviate these symptoms, you can try giving your baby a cold teething ring or gently massaging their gums with a clean finger. Offering them chilled, soft foods or a cool washcloth to chew on can also provide relief.

It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene during this time, even before your baby’s teeth fully erupt. You can start by gently wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once their teeth start coming in, you can begin brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Remember to stay patient and understanding during this phase, as your baby may be extra fussy and clingy. Comforting them with cuddles and gentle reassurance can help them feel secure and supported as they navigate this new experience.

Most importantly, keep in mind that teething is a natural part of your baby’s development and that this discomfort is only temporary. Soon enough, your little one will have a beautiful set of teeth and this challenging period will be a distant memory.

One helpful tip for making teething less painful for babies is to provide them with something cold to chew on, such as a chilled teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth placed in the freezer for a few minutes. The cold sensation can help numb their gums and provide relief from soreness.
Another strategy is to gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a soft, wet cloth. This can help reduce discomfort and distract your baby from the teething pain.
It’s also important to avoid giving babies teething gels or medications without consulting a pediatrician first, as some products may not be safe for infants.
Remember to offer plenty of cuddles and comfort to your teething baby during this challenging time. By being attentive to their needs and implementing these simple strategies, you can help make the teething process more manageable for both you and your little one.

Recognizing the Signs of Teething

Teething symptoms can include swollen gums, fussiness, minor fever, increased drooling, sleep disturbances, alterations in eating habits, gnawing behavior, teeth eruption, and other indications like ear pulling or face rubbing. Some babies may experience additional symptoms, so it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if concerned.

It’s important to note that teething can start as early as 3 months old and continue until a child is around 3 years old. Not all babies will experience the same symptoms, and some may have a harder time with teething than others. Providing a teething toy or cold washcloth for your baby to gnaw on can help alleviate some of the discomfort they may be feeling.

Remember to keep an eye out for signs of teething, such as excessive drooling or irritability, and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s teething process. With proper care and attention, you can help your baby get through this developmental milestone with ease.

Relief from Teething Pain

Teething discomfort can lead to irritability in babies. To alleviate pain, consider gum massage, chilled teething rings, cold treats, engaging distractions, and plenty of comforting cuddles.

Dealing with Drooling

Excessive drooling is common during teething. Keep clean bibs nearby to prevent rashes and gently pat your baby’s face dry to avoid irritation.

Does my baby need to see a doctor when teething?

If your baby displays symptoms such as a fever exceeding 38.3 degrees, rashes on other body parts, coughing, or vomiting, consult a doctor to rule out conditions beyond teething.

When to see the Dentist

Introduce your baby to the dentist early to establish positive oral hygiene habits and foster a comfortable relationship with dental care providers. While teething discomfort can be challenging, it is temporary and will not leave a lasting impact on your child’s memory.

These suggestions can help alleviate your baby’s teething discomfort and reduce parental stress. Regular dental visits will support your child’s oral health journey from an early stage.

To schedule your baby’s initial dental appointment after their first tooth emerges, click here.

How to Make Teething Less Painful for Babies

Your baby will undergo numerous changes in a short timeframe, and interpreting their cues can be overwhelming. Teething typically begins between four to seven months, with symptoms including swollen gums, fussiness, mild fever, excessive drooling, sleep disturbances, altered eating patterns, gnawing behavior, teeth eruption, ear pulling, and face rubbing. Additional signs may encompass facial rash, diarrhea, blood blisters, and swollen lymph nodes. When in doubt, consult your physician.

Recognizing the Signs of Teething

Teething discomfort can result in crankiness in your baby. To alleviate pain, consider gum massage, chilled teething rings, cold treats, playful distractions, and abundant cuddles.

Relief from Teething Pain

During teething, your baby may experience increased drooling. Use clean bibs to maintain their comfort and prevent rashes. Gently pat their face dry to prevent irritation.

Dealing with Drooling

To rule out alternative issues like a cold or flu, seek medical advice if your baby exhibits a fever over 38.3 degrees, rashes on other body parts, coughing, or vomiting.

Excessive drooling in babies is a common occurrence, especially during the teething phase. To manage drooling, you can try using bibs to keep your baby dry, gently wipe their chin and neck throughout the day, and encourage them to drink plenty of fluids. It’s also important to regularly clean your baby’s toys and change their bibs to prevent any skin irritation.

Does my baby need to see a doctor when teething?

Visit our office for your baby’s first tooth to initiate early dental care. We recommend starting dental appointments before their first birthday to establish a positive relationship with the dentist. Remember, teething discomfort is temporary, and these tips can help keep your baby comfortable.

Schedule your baby’s first dental appointment for their initial tooth by clicking here.