The first tooth usually appears by seven months, but the pain of teething often starts long before the tooth shows, sometimes for weeks or months prior. Irritability, excessive chewing and an area of red or swollen gums are signs that a tooth is working its way out. Teething pain relief won't help the tooth erupt faster, but it may help your child sleep better and reduce irritability.
Chewing
The pressure of chewing on a safe object counteracts the pressure of the tooth pushing down through the gums, potentially giving your baby relief. Many teething rings and toys are available in the baby section for this purpose. Avoid any objects with loose parts or materials that could crack or splinter. Inspect the teething toys regularly to ensure they are still safe for your child. Teething biscuits and bagels are snacks that allow your baby to press down and gnaw for pain relief. Supervise your child while eating these snacks.
Cold
Cold objects often feel soothing on the gums of a teething baby. Place a teething toy in the freezer to cool it down. A washcloth placed in the refrigerator or freezer is another way to apply cold to your child's gums. Don't allow any objects to freeze solid as the hard texture can cause damage to the gums. An alternative is to place a wet washcloth around an ice cube. Rub the ice cube on your baby's gums, being careful not to let the ice fall into the child's mouth.
Comfort
Physically comforting your child helps him feel better while dealing with teething discomfort. Rock and sing to your child to keep him calm when he seems crabby. Massaging your child's gums is another way to soothe him when he is teething. Press gently to counteract the pressure and provide temporary pain relief.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Infant-strength acetaminophen may ease some of the teething discomfort if your child seems to experience a lot of pain. Follow dosing guidelines based on your baby's age and weight to avoid too much medication. Gels and liquids specifically designed to ease baby teething pain are potentially dangerous to young children. Products containing benzocaine may cause a condition that reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood stream, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA recommends against using these products on children under age two.
References
- Parents: Easing Baby's Teething Pain
- Family Education; Easing Teething Pain; Henry Bernstein, M.D.
- Babyzone; All Smiles: Tips for Easing Teething; Michelle Brown
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FDA Drug Safety Communication: Reports of a Rare, But Serious and Potentially Fatal Adverse Effect With the Use of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benzocaine Gels and Liquids; April 2011
