How to Soothe Your Baby’s Teething Pain: Doctor-Approved Methods

Teething is an essential developmental milestone for babies but often a source of discomfort and concern for both parents and healthcare providers. As a baby's teeth start emerging, the teething process can be accompanied by symptoms like swollen gums, irritability, drooling, and even disturbed sleep patterns. As medical professionals, it is vital to provide accurate information and effective solutions to alleviate teething pain, supporting both the baby and the concerned parents.

This article will explore various teething remedies, including medical, natural, and behavioral approaches to help ease the discomfort associated with teething.

Understanding the Teething Process

Before diving into remedies, it’s important to understand the stages of teething. Typically, teething begins around 4 to 6 months of age, though it can vary for each child. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors. By the time a child is three years old, they usually have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Common Teething Symptoms

While teething can present differently in each baby, some common symptoms include:

1. Gum swelling and tenderness: The gums may appear red or swollen as the teeth push through the tissue.
2. Excessive drooling: The increase in saliva production can sometimes cause skin irritation around the mouth or chin.
3. Chewing or biting: Babies may instinctively chew on objects or their fingers to relieve the pressure on their gums.
4. Irritability and restlessness: The discomfort may make a baby fussy, leading to interrupted sleep and increased crying.
5. Refusing to eat: The pain might discourage the baby from eating or nursing.
6. Slight fever: While mild increases in temperature are common, high fever and more severe symptoms could indicate an underlying infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Teething does not cause severe symptoms such as diarrhea, high fever, or a rash. These signs may point to other conditions and warrant a doctor’s assessment.

Non-Pharmacological Teething Remedies

1. Cold Compresses and Teething Rings

Cold is one of the most effective and simplest remedies to soothe teething pain. The application of cold can reduce gum inflammation and provide temporary relief from discomfort.

• Cold Washcloth: A clean, damp washcloth chilled in the refrigerator can be used to gently massage the baby’s gums. The soft texture of the cloth offers comfort, while the cold provides a numbing effect.
• Chilled Teething Rings: Teething rings, specifically designed for this purpose, can be chilled in the refrigerator (not the freezer) and given to babies to chew on. The cold sensation helps soothe irritated gums, while the pressure from chewing relieves discomfort.

2. Massage

Gentle gum massages can provide immediate relief. Parents or caregivers can use a clean finger to gently rub the baby’s gums in a circular motion. The slight pressure can distract the baby from the discomfort while helping to break down the tissue, making it easier for the teeth to emerge.

3. Teething Toys

Silicone teething toys are a popular choice for teething relief. They are designed to be safe for babies to chew on and can help provide relief through both pressure and texture. Healthcare providers should advise parents to avoid toys made from harmful plastics or materials that may break apart and pose a choking hazard.

4. Frozen Breast Milk Popsicles

If the baby is still breastfeeding, frozen breast milk popsicles can offer both comfort and nutrition. Parents can freeze small amounts of breast milk in specially designed baby popsicle molds. These frozen treats soothe sore gums while providing a familiar taste and potential immune benefits from the breast milk itself.

5. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. For older infants, a small amount of cooled, diluted chamomile tea can be applied to the gums using a clean cloth. Alternatively, healthcare providers can recommend chamomile-based teething gels that are free from harmful additives. However, this remedy should only be considered after discussing with the parents and ensuring there are no allergies or sensitivities.

6. Amber Teething Necklaces

There has been some debate around amber teething necklaces, which some believe release pain-relieving oils when warmed by the baby’s skin. However, healthcare professionals must be cautious when recommending such remedies due to the risk of choking and strangulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend amber teething necklaces for safety reasons.

7. Distraction

Simple yet effective, distraction can often work wonders. Parents can engage the baby in playful activities, songs, or comforting routines to shift their focus from the pain. Offering plenty of cuddles and attention can also reduce irritability.

Pharmacological Teething Remedies

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are safe and effective for relieving teething pain when used appropriately. Acetaminophen can be used for infants older than 3 months, while ibuprofen is usually reserved for babies older than 6 months. Dosage should always be determined based on the child’s weight and under a healthcare provider’s guidance.

2. Topical Gels

There are various over-the-counter teething gels that can be applied to the baby’s gums for temporary relief. However, it’s crucial to avoid products containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as these ingredients can be harmful to infants and may cause serious side effects, such as methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces oxygen in the blood.

Natural teething gels containing clove oil, chamomile, or other herbal ingredients may offer some relief, but their effectiveness is not well-studied. Healthcare providers should guide parents to avoid gels that include harmful additives and ensure the ingredients are safe for infants.

3. Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic teething tablets and gels were once popular but are now largely discouraged by regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There have been reports linking these products to adverse effects in infants due to inconsistent ingredient concentrations. As healthcare professionals, it's essential to warn parents against using unregulated homeopathic treatments.

What to Avoid When Soothing Teething Pain

• Teething biscuits: While teething biscuits may seem like a simple solution, they often contain sugars that can contribute to tooth decay, especially if the teeth are already emerging.
• Freezing Teething Rings: Placing teething rings in the freezer can cause them to become too hard, leading to potential injury to the gums or mouth. Instead, chilling the rings in the refrigerator is safer.
• Alcohol: In the past, some parents used alcohol to numb the gums, but this practice is unsafe and should never be recommended.

When to See a Healthcare Professional

While teething is a natural process, certain symptoms should prompt further evaluation by a healthcare provider:

• Fever over 100.4°F: A slight increase in temperature is normal, but a higher fever may indicate infection.
• Persistent diarrhea: Contrary to popular belief, teething does not cause diarrhea. If a baby has frequent loose stools, it could be a sign of a gastrointestinal infection or other issue.
• Severe irritability: If the baby is inconsolable despite using various remedies, the healthcare provider should assess for other possible causes of discomfort, such as an ear infection or other illnesses.
• Rash around the mouth: Excessive drooling can sometimes cause skin irritation. Parents can apply a protective ointment, but if the rash worsens, further evaluation is needed.

Long-Term Care and Monitoring Oral Health

Teething sets the foundation for a child’s future oral health. Once the first teeth appear, it’s crucial for parents to start a daily cleaning routine using a soft baby toothbrush and water. Around the age of one year, it is advisable to have the baby’s first dental visit, allowing for early detection of potential dental problems.

It’s essential to remind parents that while teething can be uncomfortable, it is a temporary phase. Offering reassurance, education, and safe remedies will help guide them through the process.

Conclusion

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s life, accompanied by some challenges for both the child and their caregivers. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to guide parents toward safe, effective, and evidence-based remedies to ease the discomfort associated with teething. While remedies such as cold compresses, gum massages, and over-the-counter medications offer relief, understanding and addressing parental concerns are equally important. Encouraging good oral hygiene from the start ensures a healthy foundation for the child’s dental future.