Some babies have no trouble when their teeth come in, but others react by crying, drooling and acting more fussy than normal. The teeth most likely to cause pain are the first to erupt and the molars, which are bigger than the other teeth. If your baby is in pain due to teething, there are a few remedies that you can try to give him some relief.
Pressure
Pediatrician Dr. Greene points out that when babies are teething, they often chew on their hands and put objects in their mouths. This is because the pressure on their sore gums feels good. Rub your clean finger on your baby's gums where the tooth is coming in, and he may find it soothing. Also, offer your baby firm objects to chew on. You can purchase teethers for this purpose, or just use his regular toys. Always check to be sure that nothing you give your baby to chew on can break off or become a choking hazard.
Cold
Offering your baby something cold can provide teething relief. If she's old enough (over 6 months), give her a bottle or sippy cup with a small amount of ice-cold water. Cold foods can also help, again if your baby is over 6 months of age. Chill jars of her baby food, try cold applesauce or if your baby can have dairy products, yogurt. Another option is to freeze a food that your baby has had before, such as a banana or a piece of a peach, and to offer it to your baby in a mesh feeder. Put a wet washcloth in the freezer and offer it to her to chew on, or buy teethers filled with gel and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Pain Relief
According to WhatToExpect.com, if your baby is truly miserable, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist if he can have acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These can reduce inflammation and pain and will also bring down a teething-related fever. For more fast-acting relief, use teething gel or teething tablets. Ask your pediatrician for a recommendation, because some brands may be considered unsafe or ineffective for young babies.
