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Teething Pain
In this article
Call Doctor If
1. Offer Something to Chew on
2. Soothe the Gums
3. Use Medication if a Pediatrician Recommends It
4. Prevent Rash
Teething pain can be hard for babies and parents alike. Treatment at home can help.
Call Doctor If
Your child has a fever of 101° F or more, has diarrhea, or seems especially cranky; these are not typical symptoms of teething.
1. Offer Something to Chew on
Use a firm rubber teether.
Avoid teethers filled with liquid, which can leak, or freezable teethers, which may be too cold or hard.
Never tie a teether around a baby's neck -- it's a choking hazard.
2. Soothe the Gums
Gently massage the gums with a cool wet washcloth or a clean finger.
If your child is eating solid foods, offer cold applesauce or yogurt.
Give your baby a bottle filled with cool water. If your baby is younger than 1, don't give too much water, because his kidneys are not fully developed.
3. Use Medication if a Pediatrician Recommends It
Use baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) to dull pain.
Do not use topical pain relievers applied to the gums. They could cause dangerous side effects.
4. Prevent Rash
Keep a cloth with you to wipe away drool from baby's chin.
