Teething Survival Guide: What Works and What Doesn't
Teething usually starts around 6 months but can begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. You'll know it's happening because your baby will drool like a faucet, shove everything in their mouth, and be generally miserable. The first teeth (usually the bottom front two) are often the worst. Here's what actually helps.
What Works
**Cold things.** Cold numbs the gums and reduces inflammation. A wet washcloth that's been in the fridge (not freezer, too hard) is the simplest option. Refrigerated teething rings work well too. The Comotomo silicone teething ring is great because it's easy for small hands to hold and it reaches the back gums where molars come in later.
**Pressure.** Babies want to bite down on things because pressure on the gums feels good. Let them gnaw on your clean finger, a silicone teether, or a cold spoon. The Nuby Nananubs banana-shaped teether is popular because babies can grip it easily and it reaches all areas of the gums.
**Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)** for the really bad nights. If your baby is in obvious pain and nothing else is working, a dose of acetaminophen 30 minutes before bedtime can make the difference between 3 hours of screaming and actual sleep. Check dosing with your pediatrician and don't use it every night.
**Infant ibuprofen (Motrin)** from 6 months is another option and some parents find it works better than Tylenol for teething because it's also anti-inflammatory. Again, dosing per your pediatrician.
What Might Help
**Silicone feeder mesh bags** filled with frozen fruit. Frozen banana or strawberry in a mesh feeder lets baby gnaw on cold fruit without choking risk. It's messy but babies love it and it combines food with pain relief.
**Drool bibs.** Won't help with pain, but the constant drool causes chin and chest rashes. A dry bib or bandana bib keeps the skin underneath drier. Change it when it gets soaked, which will be often.
What Doesn't Work (Or Isn't Safe)
**Amber teething necklaces.** There's zero scientific evidence that amber releases succinic acid through skin contact in amounts that reduce inflammation. But there is evidence of strangulation and choking risk. The AAP, FDA, and basically every pediatric organization says don't use them.
**Benzocaine gels (like Orajel).** The FDA warns against using benzocaine products for children under 2. It can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia that affects oxygen in the blood. Just don't.
**Homeopathic teething tablets.** The FDA has issued multiple warnings about these. Some tested batches contained inconsistent and potentially toxic amounts of belladonna. Not worth the risk when safe alternatives exist.
**Frozen teething rings.** Fully frozen teethers are too hard and can hurt or bruise sore gums. Refrigerated (cold but not frozen) is the sweet spot.
The Timeline
Most babies get 20 teeth by age 3. The general order is: bottom front two (6 to 10 months), top front two (8 to 12 months), lateral incisors (9 to 13 months), first molars (13 to 19 months), canines (16 to 22 months), second molars (23 to 33 months). Every baby is different though and this timeline is just a rough guide.
When to Call the Doctor
Teething does NOT cause high fevers (over 101 F), diarrhea, rashes on the body, or vomiting. A slight temperature increase is normal, but if your baby has a real fever while teething, something else is going on. Call your pediatrician. Don't blame it on teething and wait it out.