Though some infants have few or no symptoms while teething, the process can make other babies quite uncomfortable. It is important to try to soothe the infant and make him or her more comfortable. However, it is typically recommended that parents and caretakers avoid disrupting established routines as much as possible. For example, changing bedtime may lead to problems with sleeping and napping. These routines are important for a developing infant or child’s sense of order and predictability.

Infants drool quite a bit, particularly when teething. It is important to keep the skin dry to prevent skin irritation and rashes. Gently wiping away the saliva can help, as well as keeping a small bib on the infant during the day. When an infant is sleeping, a clean cloth diaper under the head can be used to absorb the saliva. This can also prevent the need to frequently change the infant’s bed sheets due to drooling.

Teething infants are frequently found to be chewing on a number of things – from their fists to toys. The pressure caused by chewing helps relieve the discomfort and wears down the gums in front of the tooth, making it easier for it to emerge. There are many products available specifically for chewing during the teething process. It is important to use only items that are too big to swallow or ones that cannot break into smaller pieces. They should never be tied around the neck because of the risk of strangling the child. They should also never be dipped in sweet liquids, as this can cause tooth decay.

A clean, wet, chilled washcloth is a useful chewing aid. A cloth can be chilled by placing it in the freezer for a short time (about 30 minutes) or putting it in the refrigerator. In fact, cold is good for most chewing items, but these items should not be frozen. The extreme cold can cause even more pain and the cold, hard surface can bruise the gums.

Teething rings, pacifiers and toys made of firm rubber are good items for an infant to chew on. Hard, unsweetened teething crackers may also be useful. Caution must be taken with liquid- or gel-filled teething rings and toys. These items may break, particularly when the infant has a tooth or two for leverage.

A bottle of water helps many infants. Relief of teething discomfort may come from chewing on the nipple of the bottle as well as the sucking action. Bottles of formula, milk or juice should not be used for this purpose, as prolonged exposure to these sugary liquids can cause tooth decay (baby bottle tooth decay).

Firmly rubbing the gums with a clean finger can soothe the infant’s discomfort. A moistened gauze pad or damp washcloth can also be used to massage the gums. Although it may be a common practice, rubbing liquor on a baby’s gums is not safe and can cause harm.

If chewing on things and gum massage do not seem to help, an infant dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (pain relief medications) may be useful. However, a pediatrician should always be consulted before giving an infant any medications. Aspirin should never be given to a child due to its association with Reye syndrome.

Some physicians may advise against topical pain relievers such as teething gels. They are frequently not effective because they can be washed away by drool before they begin to work. When they do work, they do not last long and they cannot be used frequently. In some situations, they can even be dangerous because of its contents (i.e., anesthetic preparations, alcohol). These gels can numb the entire inside of the mouth, including the back of the throat. This can make if difficult for the infant to swallow or can interrupt the gag reflex (which helps protect the airway). Furthermore, some infants are allergic to the ingredients in these gels.

Oral hygiene should begin before the teeth erupt. Use a clean cloth or gauze pad to wipe an infant’s gums and teeth (when present) after every meal. A soft infant (multi-tufted) toothbrush may also be used, but it is generally recommended to avoid toothpaste until the child is old enough to spit it out – usually around age 3. Plain water is all that is needed for infants.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that babies see a dentist by age 1, when six to eight teeth are in place. This will enable the dentist to spot any potential problems and advise parents about preventive care.