Teething: Symptoms, Safe Relief, and Products to Avoid
What teething actually feels like, gum-soothing that's safe for babies, and the FDA-flagged products — gels, tablets, necklaces — to avoid.
Teething: Symptoms, Safe Relief, and Products to Avoid
Teething gets blamed for almost everything, and it can make for some genuinely miserable days and nights. Knowing what it does and doesn't cause, and which "remedies" to steer clear of, makes the whole stretch easier.
What teething really feels like
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though anywhere from 4 to 12 months is normal, usually the two bottom front teeth first. Common signs include:
- Extra drooling
- Gnawing and chewing on hands and objects
- Swollen, tender gums
- Crankiness and disrupted sleep
- A slightly raised temperature (below 100.4°F)
Here's what teething does not cause: a real fever, diarrhea, a runny nose, or vomiting. The AAP is clear on this, and it matters, because blaming those symptoms on teeth can mean missing an actual illness. If your baby has a true fever or seems sick, look for another cause.
Relief that's safe
Simple, low-tech options work best:
- A clean finger to rub and massage the gums, sometimes the fastest fix
- A firm rubber teething ring, one solid piece
- A chilled (not frozen) teether or a clean, damp washcloth cooled in the fridge
- Cold, soft foods if your baby has started solids
- Plenty of cuddles; comfort is a real remedy
For an especially rough night, ask your pediatrician whether a dose of infant acetaminophen is appropriate for your baby's age and weight.
Products to skip, some are genuinely dangerous
A few popular items carry real risk:
- Benzocaine gels (like many over-the-counter "teething gels"): the FDA warns they can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious blood condition, and has asked companies to stop selling them for teething.
- Homeopathic belladonna teething tablets: the FDA has linked these to reports of seizures and other serious harm in infants.
- Amber (or any) teething necklaces and bracelets: the FDA and CPSC warn of strangulation and choking, and there's no evidence they relieve pain.
- Frozen-solid or liquid-filled teethers, which can be too hard on gums or break open.
The theme: anything worn around the neck, anything you rub in that numbs, and anything frozen rock-hard is best avoided.
When it's probably not teething
If your baby has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, is unusually sleepy or inconsolable, or has cold or stomach symptoms, don't chalk it up to teeth. Those signs deserve a call to your pediatrician's office, who can sort out whether something else is going on and reassure you when it's nothing.