5 Ways to Soothe Your Baby's Teething Pain
You can soothe a teething baby with counter-pressure and cold — massage the gums with a clean finger or a dampened gauze pad, and offer chilled, never frozen, teething items. Solid silicone or rubber rings with varied textures help too, and dabbing drool away with a soft cloth protects the skin around the mouth and chin. Teething does not cause a true fever above 38 degrees C, so call your paediatrician if one appears.
Orion Dental Team
Led by Dr. Fahimay Naqvi
Teething typically begins around six months of age, though some babies start as early as two months. The lower front teeth usually emerge first, followed by the upper front teeth, and then the process continues in stages until all 20 primary teeth are in place around age 2.5 to 3. While teething is a completely natural part of development, it can cause discomfort, fussiness, and disrupted sleep for both baby and parents.
At Orion Dental, our children's dentistry team in Scarborough and Miltonsupports families from baby's first tooth onward. Here are five approaches to help ease teething discomfort safely.
6–10 months
Lower front teeth
8–12 months
Upper front teeth
9–16 months
Lateral incisors
13–19 months
First molars
16–23 months
Canines
23–33 months
Second molars
Recognising Teething Signs
Before diving into remedies, it helps to confirm that teething is what is causing your baby's discomfort. Common signs include:
Common Teething Symptoms
- Increased drooling — sometimes leading to a rash around the mouth and chin
- Fussiness and irritability, especially in the late afternoon and evening
- Chewing or biting on hands, toys, and anything within reach
- Swollen, red, or tender gums where a tooth is about to emerge
- Disrupted sleep patterns — more frequent nighttime waking
- Mild decrease in appetite, especially for solid foods
When to See a Doctor
While mild fussiness and drooling are normal during teething, a fever above 38 degrees C, diarrhoea, or a widespread rash are not typical teething symptoms. Contact your paediatrician if your baby shows these signs, as they may indicate something else.
1. Gentle Gum Massage
One of the simplest remedies is a gentle gum massage using a clean finger or a dampened gauze pad. The counter-pressure on the gums helps relieve the aching sensation caused by the tooth pushing through the tissue.
Wash your hands thoroughly, then use the pad of your finger (not the nail) to gently rub the swollen area in small circles. Many babies find this soothing and will lean into the pressure. You can also use a soft silicone finger brush designed for infants, which provides a gentle textured surface. This dual-purpose tool also helps your baby get accustomed to having their gums and teeth cleaned — a habit that will serve them well as more teeth emerge.
2. Cold Therapy
Cold helps numb the gums and reduce inflammation, making it a natural pain reliever for teething babies. There are several ways to apply cold safely:
Chilled Washcloth
Dampen a clean washcloth, twist it, and place it in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for 15 to 30 minutes. The textured fabric provides satisfying chewing resistance.
Refrigerated Gauze
Dampen a piece of gauze with ice water and gently press it against the swollen gum area for quick relief.
Chilled Spoon
Place a metal spoon in the refrigerator and let your baby gnaw gently on the rounded back — the cool metal soothes inflamed tissue.
Frozen Fruit in a Mesh Feeder
For babies already eating solids, frozen banana or strawberry pieces in a mesh feeder combine cold relief with nutrition.
Refrigerate, Don't Freeze
Avoid giving babies frozen-solid items — they can be too hard and potentially damage sensitive gum tissue. Chilled (refrigerator temperature) is the safe and effective choice.
3. Teething Toys & Rings
Teething rings and toys give babies something safe to chew on, which provides counter-pressure that naturally soothes sore gums. Look for toys made from solid silicone or natural rubber that are free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Many teething rings contain gel that can be refrigerated for added cooling relief.
Choose toys with a variety of textures — bumps, ridges, and smooth surfaces — as babies often prefer different textures depending on where the discomfort is. Inspect teething toys regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or pieces that could break off and pose a choking hazard.
Your Baby's First Dental Visit
The CDA recommends a first visit within six months of the first tooth. We make it comfortable and fun.
4. Drool Management & Skin Care
Teething often brings a significant increase in drooling, which can lead to a red, irritated rash around the mouth, chin, and neck. While drool rash is not harmful, it can add to your baby's discomfort and make them more fussy.
Keep a soft cloth or bib handy to gently dab (not wipe) excess drool throughout the day. Wiping back and forth can further irritate already sensitive skin. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a gentle, fragrance-free barrier cream to the chin and neck area before naps and bedtime to protect the skin from prolonged moisture contact.
Drool Rash Prevention Tips
- Dab drool gently with a soft cloth — avoid rubbing back and forth
- Use a bib during the day to keep clothing dry and reduce skin contact
- Apply a barrier cream (petroleum jelly or lanolin) before naps and bedtime
- Change wet clothing and bibs promptly to prevent prolonged moisture exposure
- Wash the face gently with lukewarm water and pat dry at each nappy change
5. Pain Relief Medication (When Needed)
When other methods are not providing enough relief — especially if teething is disrupting your baby's sleep — over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate. Infant formulations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available over the counter.
Always consult your paediatrician before giving your baby any medication, and follow the dosage instructions on the packaging carefully. Medication should be used as a last resort, not a first-line approach, and only for short periods when discomfort is particularly acute.
| Approach | How It Works | When to Use | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gum massage | Counter-pressure soothes aching gums | Anytime — first line of comfort | Clean hands essential |
| Cold therapy | Numbs tissue and reduces swelling | When gums are visibly swollen or red | Refrigerate only — never freeze solid |
| Teething toys | Satisfies chewing instinct safely | Throughout the day as needed | Inspect regularly for wear |
| Drool management | Prevents secondary skin irritation | Ongoing during heavy drooling periods | Dab gently — do not rub |
| Pain medication | Reduces pain and inflammation systemically | When other methods are insufficient | Consult paediatrician first |
What to Avoid During Teething
With so many teething products on the market, it is important to know which ones to steer clear of:
Products to Avoid
- Benzocaine-based teething gels — risk of methemoglobinemia in infants under two
- Homeopathic teething tablets — some have been linked to adverse events; inconsistent dosing
- Amber teething necklaces — no proven benefit and a strangulation/choking hazard
- Frozen-solid teething rings — too hard for delicate gum tissue
- Any product containing belladonna — a toxic substance found in some homeopathic remedies
Planning Your Baby's First Dental Visit
The Canadian Dental Association recommends scheduling your baby's first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first. This early visit is gentle and informational. Your dentist will check for any early concerns, demonstrate proper cleaning techniques for baby teeth, and answer your questions about teething, pacifier use, and nutrition.
At Orion Dental, we take a gentle, patient approach with our youngest patients. Our comprehensive checkup for infants focuses on establishing a comfortable relationship with the dental environment and giving parents the guidance they need to care for those important first teeth. We may also discuss dental sealants and fluoride treatments as your child's teeth continue to develop.
Patience Goes a Long Way
Teething is temporary, even though it may not feel that way at 3 a.m. With a combination of gum massage, cold therapy, safe teething toys, good drool management, and medication when truly needed, you can help your baby through this milestone with minimal distress. And remember — those little teeth that are causing so much fuss now are the foundation of your child's future smile.
Schedule your baby's first dental visit at our Scarborough or Milton office. Book an appointment or call 416-291-0306 (Scarborough) / 905-636-9770 (Milton).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about baby teething and dental care
When do babies typically start teething?
Most babies begin teething around six months of age, though it can start as early as two months or as late as twelve months. The lower front teeth (central incisors) usually appear first.
How long does the teething process last?
Individual teeth typically take about a week to fully emerge through the gum. The overall teething process — from the first tooth to the last primary molar — continues until approximately age 2.5 to 3 years.
Is it safe to use teething gels with benzocaine?
Health Canada and the Canadian Dental Association advise against using teething gels containing benzocaine for children under two years of age, as they carry a risk of a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. Consult your paediatrician before using any medicated teething product.
Are amber teething necklaces effective?
There is no scientific evidence that amber teething necklaces relieve pain. More importantly, they pose a strangulation and choking hazard. Health Canada advises against using them.
When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by age one — whichever comes first. This initial visit helps establish a dental home and catch any early concerns.
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething may cause a slight increase in temperature, but a true fever (above 38 degrees C) is not typically caused by teething alone. If your baby has a fever, consult your paediatrician to rule out other causes.
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