Teething

Controlling symptoms safely

If your baby has discomfort while teething, you can:

• Use mild pain relief medicine that is labeled for your child's specific age. Reference Acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) and Reference ibuprofen (for example, Advil) may help relieve your baby's discomfort. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20, because it has been linked with Reference Reye syndrome Opens New Window.
• Rub the affected gum. Use a clean finger (or cold teething ring) to gently rub the area of tooth eruption for about 2 minutes at a time. Many babies find this soothing, although they may protest at first.
• Provide Reference safe objects for babies to chew on, such as teething rings. Babies who are teething like to gnaw on things to help relieve the pressure from an erupting tooth. Having safe objects to chew on can help prevent your baby from chewing on those that are dangerous, such as electrical cords or window sills that have Reference lead paint Opens New Window.

Although some parents use topical gels and other teething remedies, there are questions about how effective and safe these products are. Talk to your doctor about which types of products are safe and how often they can be used.

Promoting healthy teeth

You can give your child the best chance for healthy teeth and gums.

• Take measures to help Reference prevent tooth decay in your child's primary teeth. For example, as soon as your baby’s teeth come in, start cleaning them with a soft cloth or gauze pad. As more teeth erupt, clean teeth with a soft toothbrush, using only water for the first few months. Help to prevent Reference baby bottle tooth decay Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window by always taking a bottle out of your baby's mouth as soon as he or she is finished. Clean your baby's teeth after feeding, especially at night. When your baby Reference starts eating solids, offer healthy foods that are low in sugar, and keep milk feedings during the night to a minimum.
• Schedule regular Reference well-child visits with your child's doctor. During these exams, the doctor will check your child's dental health.
• Take your child to the Reference dentist Opens New Window within 6 months of when your child's first tooth comes in but no later than your child's first birthday.^{Reference 1}

For more information on caring for your child's teeth, see the topic Reference Basic Dental Care or Reference Tooth Decay.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.