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What is teething?
The normal process of new teeth working their way through the gums.
Teeth come in between 6 and 24 months of age.
Most often, teething does not cause any symptoms.
If your child is having some discomfort, it should pass in 2 or 3 days.
What are the symptoms of teething?
Increased saliva, drooling, face rash and desire to chew on things
Can cause mild gum pain
Does not cause fever, diarrhea, diaper rash, ill appearance, or lowered resistance to infection.
Most symptoms blamed on teething are due to something else.
Blaming teething for fevers or crying can lead to a delayed diagnosis of other illnesses.
How is this treated?
Some of the teething objects available at stores.
Gum Massage
Rub the irritated gum with your clean finger.
Do this as often as needed.
Putting pressure on the sore gum can decrease pain.
Babies rub their own sore gums by chewing on smooth, hard objects.
You can offer a teething ring, pacifier or wet washcloth that has been chilled.
Chill these items in the fridge. Do not use items frozen in the freezer.
If your child is over 1 year old:
You can use a piece of ice wrapped in a wet cloth to rub the gum.
You can offer a piece of chilled fruit. Do not use hard foods that could cause choking. Do not use ice or popsicles that could cause frostbite of the gums.
Pain Medicine: Pain medicines usually are not needed for the mild discomfort of teething. You can give acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen if your baby is over 6 months old.
Treatments to avoid
Teething necklaces
They have caused choking and strangulation.
They are not helpful and not approved by the FDA.
Teething gels and/or tablets
Most of them contain benzocaine which can cause serious side effects including blue discoloration of the lips and skin, choking, allergic reactions.
Even products that are labeled as “natural” can have ingredients that can be very dangerous for children.
They are not approved by the FDA.
When to contact your healthcare team:
Your child has a fever (temperature above 100.4F).
You child is inconsolable.
Your child is getting worse.
You have other questions or concerns.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials.
Reviewed by: AT M.D., CPCMG Newborn committee, AR D.O. | 08/2024