Baby teething relief: How to soothe your baby’s sore gums

Teething can be a tough time for both babies and parents. As those first little teeth begin to push through, your baby may have trouble sleeping, chew on anything and everything, and generally be fussier than usual. So, what can you do for baby teething relief?

Fortunately, there are ways for you to help soothe your baby’s sore gums and make this teething phase a little more bearable.

Let’s talk about what to expect during the teething phase, as well as some pointers to help give your baby (and you) some relief.

When do babies start teething?

Most babies start teething around 6 months old, although there’s a wide range of normal. Some babies start getting teeth around 3 - 4 months, while others may not have a tooth come in until closer to their first birthday.

As a parent, the start of teething can be challenging. It usually comes right around the time you finally feel like you’ve hit your stride and have a routine down with your new baby. It can feel like that all comes crashing down once those first teeth start to make their appearance.

The bottom two front teeth, called the lower central incisors, are usually the first to appear. Then the upper front teeth typically follow, with the remaining baby teeth coming in gradually over the next couple of years. (Yes, you read that right. Teething lasts well into toddlerhood.)

The good news is, teething comes in waves. Your baby may have a few difficult days right around the time a new tooth is erupting, followed by a stretch when they seem perfectly comfortable. Once a tooth breaks through, any discomfort usually eases, and you should get a period of relief before the next tooth starts making its way in.

Signs of teething in babies

Teething can start with some very subtle signs but can also disrupt your baby’s routine quite significantly. The most common signs of teething in babies include:

• Increased drooling: You may notice your baby drooling more than usual, sometimes with a mild rash around the mouth or chin.
• Fussiness: Teething babies are often more irritable or want extra comfort when a tooth is coming in.
• Chewing on everything: Your baby wants to chew on their hands, toys, teethers or other safe objects to relieve pressure on the gums.
• Sore or swollen gums: You may notice the gums around an emerging tooth look red, swollen or tender.
• Changes in sleep: Some babies may have trouble settling or staying asleep due to sore gums.
• Changes in feeding/eating: Teething can cause some babies to experience changes in how frequently they nurse or take a bottle, and in how much food they eat.
• Rubbing their face or ears: You may see your baby rub their cheek, chin or ears when they’re experiencing teething discomfort.

Sometimes a baby will run a low-grade fever while teething. However, anything over 100.4 degrees is likely not related to teething. You should consult your pediatrician if you are seeing any high fever or other signs that worry you, including respiratory symptoms.
 

Related: How to find a pediatrician: 7 questions every first-time parent should ask

How to relieve teething pain

Now that you know a little bit about what types of symptoms your baby may experience, let’s figure out how you can help them feel better. Below are some tips and tricks to help you both get through the long nights.

Soothe with cool objects

Cool objects will bring some relief to baby’s swollen gums. Try putting their teething rings in the fridge or freezer. Be careful not to use anything like rags, paper towels or things your baby can chew through and potentially choke on.

Massage their gums

If your baby is interested in chewing on your hands or arms, you can dip your clean finger in cold water and gently massage their gums. This will help with swelling and may bring comfort to their gums.

Try skin-to-skin comfort

Focused attention and lots of cuddles will go a long way during this time. Babies are often more clingy when they’re feeling uncomfortable from teething.

However, it’s important to give yourself some breaks, especially if your child is very upset or crying. Always remember that it’s OK to ask for help or support so that you can take time to rest and recharge your parent batteries.

Use OTC medication with caution

Consult your pediatrician if you’re considering using over-the-counter infant pain relief medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It’s important to make sure you know the right dose and frequency for your child.

Remember that infants younger than 6 months should not have any ibuprofen.

What not to use for baby teething relief

It’s also helpful to know what not to use for baby teething relief. As a parent, it’s natural to want to do everything in your power to help your child feel better, but some popular teething remedies can be unsafe for babies.

• Teething necklaces and bracelets: Amber, silicone or wooden jewelry can pose a choking or strangulation risk.
• Numbing gels containing benzocaine: Avoid these gels, as they can cause side effects in young children.
• Frozen-solid teething toys: Very hard, frozen objects can injure your baby’s gums. Choose a chilled, rather than frozen, teething ring.
• Homemade topical remedies: Avoid applying alcohol, essential oils or other unproven substances directly to your baby’s gums.

If your baby is particularly uncomfortable, reach out to your pediatrician for advice on safe teething relief options.

Best home remedies for teething baby at night

Teething discomfort can be more intense at night, making bedtime challenging and potentially causing your baby to wake more in the night. On those hard, sleepless nights, know that you’re not alone. Every parent faces the challenges of a teething baby—and it won’t last forever.

A few simple strategies can help soothe your baby before bed and when they wake up in the night:

• Soothe gums before bed: Let your baby chew on a teething ring or toy that has been cooled in the refrigerator. This can be helpful before their bedtime feed, especially if teething pain is impacting their feeding.
• Offer extra comfort: When your baby wakes in the night, cuddling, rocking and bouncing can help soothe your baby. Try offering a teether while cuddling for a few minutes to make it easier for them to fall back asleep.
• Keep the bedtime routine consistent: Even when teething strikes, stick with your usual bedtime routine. This can help your baby settle and return to their normal sleep pattern once the discomfort settles.
• Ask your pediatrician about pain relief: Talk to your pediatrician about whether taking an appropriate dose of infant pain reliever before bed may be helpful.

Many times, your baby simply needs your comfort and calming presence. Rest when you can, take turns with your partner if that’s an option for you, and don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help when you’re tired or overwhelmed.

The bottom line on baby teething relief

When your baby is uncomfortable and nothing seems to settle them, it can be hard to know what to do. The fussiness, disrupted sleep and extra crying can be exhausting—for your baby and for you.

Teething may feel like it lasts forever, but rest assured that it will come to an end. This stage is only temporary.

Focus on offering extra cuddles and doing what you can to keep your baby comfortable. Soon enough, that little tooth will be through and you’ll be on to the next stage.

Questions about teething relief? Talk to your pediatrician.