Teething

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Signs/Symptoms

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• To keep your child comfortable while teething:
  • Gently rub the swollen gum with a clean finger for 2 minutes. Do this as often as necessary.
  • Give your child a clean washcloth to chew. First wet it with cold water and ring it out. Put it in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  • Try giving your child a smooth, hard teething ring. Some children like a cold teething ring. Do not tie the ring around the child's neck. It could catch on something and strangle the child.
  • Stop breastfeeding briefly since sucking on a nipple may be painful for the child. You may temporarily want to use a cup to give your child liquids.
  • Give frozen juices, a Popsicle, or a frozen banana that has been cut into pieces. The child may also enjoy teething biscuits. Do not use hard foods, such as carrots, that could cause choking.
  • You do not need to use special teething gels or lotions. They have a drug in them to which the child could be allergic.
  • Acetaminophen may relieve the pain. Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often to give it. Try to dribble some of the acetaminophen on the baby's gums as you administer it. This will help the gum pain.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Your child has a high temperature.
• Your child has signs of infection such as pus or very swollen, reddened gums in the area where the tooth is coming in.