Teething Tips: Effective Strategies for Soothing Your Baby

Teething is a significant developmental milestone, but it can be uncomfortable for babies and challenging for parents. With reliable information and simple, safe strategies, you can ease your baby’s discomfort and support healthy tooth development. Below you’ll find trusted teething tips, practical techniques, and guidance on when to seek medical advice. Use these teething tips to create a calm routine and keep your baby comfortable as new teeth emerge.

Understanding Teething: Timing and Common Signs

Most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, though some start as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months. The lower central incisors usually come in first, followed by the upper central incisors. Other teeth follow a generally predictable order. By about age 3, most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.

Typical signs of teething include increased drooling, swollen or tender gums, fussiness, chewing on hands and toys, disrupted sleep, and a slight rise in temperature (not a true fever). Babies may also rub their cheeks or tug at their ears due to referred discomfort from the gums.

Teething often unfolds over several months. Each tooth may take a few days to a week to break through the gums. Symptoms can flare before a tooth erupts and ease once it emerges. Every baby experiences teething differently, some have mild symptoms while others are more sensitive.

Safe Remedies for Teething Pain

Choose sturdy teething toys and rings made from solid silicone or rubber, and ensure they are free of BPA and phthalates. A chilled (not frozen) teething ring can be soothing. Avoid liquid-filled or easily breakable items. Simple options like a clean, damp washcloth chilled in the refrigerator are effective and easy to sanitize.

Gentle, natural approaches can help. Rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger using light pressure, offer a cool washcloth, and for older babies who have started solids, consider safe, firm, chilled foods such as a peeled cucumber spear or chilled applesauce in a mesh feeder. Always supervise and ensure food is age-appropriate to prevent choking.

Over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate when discomfort is significant. Speak with your pediatrician about dosing for infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on your baby’s age and weight. Avoid topical numbing gels and products containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as these are not recommended for infants and may be unsafe.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby: Practical Techniques

Gum massage is simple and effective. Wash your hands thoroughly, then use a clean finger to apply gentle, circular pressure on the sore areas of the gums for 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat as needed, especially before naps or bedtime. A silicone fingertip brush designed for infant gums can also be helpful.

Cold can reduce inflammation and numb soreness. Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a cool washcloth. For older babies already eating solids, chilled purees or yogurt can provide comfort. If your baby uses a pacifier, briefly chilling it may offer relief. Do not use frozen items, which can be too hard and may damage delicate gums.

Create a calming environment to ease fussiness. Keep a consistent routine, dim lights before sleep, and use white noise to promote relaxation. Extra cuddling, rocking, and skin-to-skin contact can be soothing. Gentle music, a brief walk, or quiet play can help distract from discomfort.

What to Avoid During Teething

Steer clear of amber teething necklaces and bracelets due to choking and strangulation risks. Avoid liquid-filled teething rings that can leak, and do not use topical numbing gels, benzocaine products, or homeopathic tablets, as they may be unsafe for infants. Be cautious with hard, frozen objects that can injure the gums.

It’s a myth that high fevers, severe diarrhea, or widespread rashes are caused by teething. While drooling and mild gum discomfort are common, a high fever or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms are not typical of teething and may signal illness. Alcohol rubs and unverified herbal remedies are not safe for infants and should be avoided.

When offering foods to teething babies who have started solids, skip hard raw vegetables like whole carrots and uncut apple slices because they pose a choking hazard. Avoid sugary snacks that can contribute to early tooth decay. Choose soft, age-appropriate options and supervise closely during feeding.

When to Consult a Pediatrician or Dentist

Contact your pediatrician if your baby has a persistent high fever (100.4°F or higher), severe diarrhea, an unexplained rash that does not improve, excessive vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers, lethargy, or dry mouth. These symptoms are not typical of teething and may indicate illness.

Teething complications are uncommon but can include eruption cysts (bluish swelling over the tooth), prolonged gum bleeding, or significant sleep disruption. If your baby seems unusually uncomfortable or is inconsolable despite safe home remedies, consult your pediatrician to rule out issues such as ear infections.

Seek guidance whenever pain interferes with feeding, hydration, or sleep, or if you need help with appropriate pain reliever dosing. Early dental visits, typically by age 1 or within six months of the first tooth, support healthy development and give you a chance to discuss teething care and oral hygiene with a dental professional.

Oral Care During Teething

Good oral habits begin with the very first tooth. Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth erupt, use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Brush twice daily, especially before bedtime.

If your baby uses a bottle, avoid putting them to bed with it, as prolonged exposure to milk or juice can increase the risk of early tooth decay. Offer water between meals when appropriate and limit sugary drinks and snacks.

Helpful Teething Tools and Techniques

Consider keeping a small rotation of safe, textured teething toys to maintain interest and provide variety. Clean toys frequently with warm soapy water and inspect them regularly for wear. For on-the-go relief, pack a cooled washcloth in a reusable bag and a spare teething ring. These practical teething tips help you stay prepared whether you’re at home or out and about.

• Silicone or rubber teething rings, chilled in the refrigerator
• Mesh feeders for chilled soft foods (for babies eating solids)
• Silicone fingertip gum brushes
• Soft, breathable bibs to manage drool and protect skin
• White noise machine or app to aid sleep routines

Quick Reference: Teething Do’s and Don’ts

Do	Don’t
Offer chilled (not frozen) teething rings and cool washcloths	Use hard, frozen items that can injure gums
Gently massage gums with a clean finger	Apply benzocaine or other numbing gels
Consult your pediatrician about acetaminophen or ibuprofen dosing	Give homeopathic tablets or alcohol-based remedies
Brush emerging teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste	Offer sugary snacks or put baby to bed with a bottle
Supervise any solid foods and choose soft, age-appropriate options	Offer hard raw vegetables or uncut apple slices
Seek medical advice for high fever or persistent symptoms	Assume severe diarrhea or rashes are “just teething”

Supporting Your Baby Through Teething

Teething discomfort comes and goes, and most babies find relief with simple, consistent care. Focus on soothing techniques, safe tools, and a calm routine. Trust your instincts, if symptoms seem unusual or your baby is not improving, reach out to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Early, proactive oral care and routine dental checkups help ensure healthy development and set the stage for lifelong oral health. With patience and the right strategies, you can make teething more manageable for both you and your baby. Keep these teething tips handy and share teething tips with caregivers so everyone can respond consistently and safely.