The safest and most effective options for teething pain are simple: a clean finger rubbed along your baby’s gums, a solid rubber teething ring, and, when needed, a weight-appropriate dose of infant pain reliever. Most babies start teething between 6 and 12 months, and the discomfort comes and goes as each new tooth pushes through. Here’s what actually works and what to avoid.
Non-Drug Relief to Try First
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting with physical comfort measures before reaching for any medication. These work well for mild to moderate fussiness and are completely safe when done correctly.
Gum massage: Wash your hands and gently rub or massage your baby’s swollen gums with a clean finger. The counter-pressure helps relieve the aching sensation as the tooth pushes toward the surface. Many babies calm down quickly with this alone.
Solid rubber teething rings: Give your baby a firm teether made of rubber or silicone to chew on. Chewing creates the same counter-pressure effect as a gum massage, and your baby can control it themselves. Choose solid rings rather than liquid-filled ones. Liquid-filled teethers can harbor bacteria over time, and they’re more likely to break. Always supervise your baby while they’re using a teether to prevent choking.
Chilled (not frozen) teethers: You can refrigerate a teething ring to add a mild numbing effect, but don’t freeze it. A frozen teether becomes hard enough to bruise or damage tender gums. A cool washcloth works the same way: dampen a clean cloth, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes, and let your baby gnaw on it.
When to Use Pain Medication
If your baby is clearly uncomfortable and non-drug methods aren’t enough, infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Always dose by your baby’s weight, not their age, and use the measuring device that comes with the product rather than a kitchen spoon.
Acetaminophen can be given every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to 5 times in 24 hours. It’s safe for babies 8 weeks and older. Ibuprofen can be given every 6 to 8 hours, up to 4 times in 24 hours, but only for babies 6 months and older. The packaging will have a weight-based dosing chart. If your baby is under the minimum age or you’re unsure about the right dose, call your pediatrician’s office; most have a nurse line that can give you the number quickly.
You don’t need to alternate the two medications for teething. Pick one and use it only during the worst stretches, typically the day or two right before a tooth breaks through.
Products to Avoid
Several popular teething products carry serious risks, and some have been pulled from shelves or received formal warnings from the FDA.
Benzocaine gels and liquids: Over-the-counter numbing gels containing benzocaine (sold under brand names like Orajel) should not be used on children under 2. Benzocaine can cause a life-threatening condition called methemoglobinemia, in which the blood’s ability to carry oxygen drops dangerously low. The FDA has told manufacturers to stop marketing these products for infant teething entirely.
Homeopathic teething tablets: The FDA has warned consumers not to use homeopathic teething tablets, including products previously sold by Hyland’s and CVS. Testing revealed that some tablets contained levels of belladonna alkaloids (atropine and scopolamine) and caffeine far exceeding what was listed on the label. Because these products aren’t manufactured with the same consistency standards as regulated drugs, the amount of active ingredient varies unpredictably from tablet to tablet.
Amber teething necklaces and bracelets: These are marketed with the claim that succinic acid in amber relieves pain when worn against the skin, but there’s no evidence this works. What is well documented is the danger: case reports describe children dying from strangulation by the necklace and choking on individual beads after the string breaks. The risks include swallowing clasp magnets, strangulation, choking on beads, and contact dermatitis.
What Teething Actually Looks Like
The two bottom front teeth usually come in first, followed by the four upper front teeth. After that, teeth tend to arrive in pairs, one on each side of the jaw, until all 20 baby teeth are in by around age 2½ to 3. A rough rule of thumb: for every six months of life, expect about four teeth to have erupted. Lower teeth generally appear before their upper counterparts.
Common signs include drooling, fussiness, chewing on everything, and mildly swollen gums where the tooth is coming through. Some babies run a slightly elevated temperature, but teething does not cause a true fever. If your baby’s temperature rises above 100.4°F (38°C), that points to an illness rather than a tooth. Diarrhea, rashes, and prolonged crying are also not normal teething symptoms and shouldn’t be written off as “just teething.” It’s easy to attribute any symptom to teething during a stretch when new teeth are constantly arriving, so pay attention to anything that seems out of proportion or lasts more than a day or two.
Picking a Safe Teething Toy
Stick with solid, one-piece teethers made of rubber or food-grade silicone. Avoid anything with small parts, liquid fill, or pieces that could break off. Buy from a reputable retailer and check that the product was manufactured in the United States or another country with strong safety standards. Wash teethers with warm soapy water and rinse well before each use. Replace any teether that shows cracks, discoloration, or wear, since damaged material can harbor bacteria or break apart during chewing.