A baby will usually experience the emergence of the first tooth anywhere between 4 and 7 months of age, according to KidsHealth. Over the next several months, babies will get the bottom two teeth and the four front top teeth. The rapid appearance of so many teeth in such a short amount of time can cause frustration for babies, but teething remedies can help ease pain and discomfort.
Teethers
There are many different types of teethers and objects that you can use to ease tooth and gum pain. Simply giving a baby something to chew on can help ease the pain associated with teething, reports BabyCenter. Teething rings and wet washcloths cooled in the refrigerator are good options. KidsHealth recommends using a teething object that is large enough that baby cannot swallow it and suggests offering a baby a wet washcloth cooled in the freezer for 30 minutes. You can cool a rubber teething ring for a few minutes, but keep in mind that rubber becomes rock-hard when frozen and will only add to a baby's discomfort.
Gum Massage
According to Healthy Children, gum massage can help eliminate some of the discomfort and pain that goes along with teething. Use a clean finger to gently massage baby's gums. BabyCenter suggests using firm pressure, because it balances the pressure a baby feels as teeth begin to emerge from the gums. Healthy Children cautions that the gums will be swollen and tender; refrain from using too much pressure, as it will add to the pain the baby already feels.
Pain Medication
KidsHealth indicates that pain medications can help eliminate some of the pain associated with teething. Contact your baby's pediatrician first to ensure that using pain medication is OK. Acetaminophen is a common option. BabyCenter notes that you can rub a topical gel directly onto the teething baby's gums to help ease pain. BabyCenter cautions, however, that you should use only the recommended amount of teething gel to avoid numbing the back of the throat.
