Teething Pain & Relief
Teething typically starts 4-7 months (can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months). Symptoms: Drooling, chewing on everything, irritability, mild gum swelling, low-grade fever (<100.4°F), disrupted sleep, cheek rubbing or ear pulling.
Teething does NOT cause: High fever (>100.4°F), vomiting, diarrhea, severe fussiness, rash all over body. If these occur, baby is sick (not just teething).
Bottom front teeth usually come first, then top front, then sides. Process takes 2-3 years to complete all 20 baby teeth.
What to Do
- Offer teething toys/rings to chew (firm rubber, BPA-free)
- Chill teething toys in fridge (NOT freezer - too hard and can damage gums)
- Gently massage gums with clean finger or damp gauze
- Offer cold washcloth for baby to chew on
- For babies eating solids: Cold foods like chilled applesauce, yogurt
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen (6+ months) if very uncomfortable - follow dosing
- Keep drool wiped to prevent rash on chin
- Apply barrier cream (petroleum jelly, Aquaphor) to chin to protect from drool
- DO NOT use: Teething tablets (FDA warning - can be harmful)
- DO NOT use: Amber teething necklaces (strangulation and choking hazard)
- DO NOT use: Benzocaine gels (Orajel) for babies under 2 (can cause serious condition)
- DO NOT freeze teething toys solid (too hard, can injure gums)