Safe Teething Pain Relief Methods
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAPD, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect safe teething pain relief methods, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Safe teething pain relief includes chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (ibuprofen only for babies 6 months and older). The FDA warns against using benzocaine gels, homeopathic teething tablets, and lidocaine products for infants. Amber teething necklaces are a choking and strangulation hazard and have no proven benefit.
Key takeaways
- Safe teething pain relief includes chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (ibuprofen only for babies 6 months and older). The FDA warns against using benzocaine gels, homeopathic teething tablets, and lidocaine products for infants. Amber teething necklaces are a choking and strangulation hazard and have no proven benefit.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is fussy, drooling more, and wanting to chew on things during teething
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has a fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C), which is not caused by teething and suggests an illness that needs medical evaluation
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Teething is uncommon at this age, but if it occurs, safe options are limited. Gently rub the baby's gums with a clean, cool, wet washcloth. Chilled teething rings made of solid rubber can be offered. Avoid pain medications at this age unless specifically advised by your pediatrician.
3-6 months
This is when many babies begin teething. Safe options include chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gum massage with a clean finger, and a cold wet washcloth to gnaw on. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used as directed by your pediatrician for significant discomfort. Ibuprofen should not be used until 6 months of age.
6-12 months
Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can now be used for teething pain, dosed by weight per your pediatrician's guidance. Chilled teething toys, cold washcloths, and gum massage remain effective. Mesh feeder bags with chilled fruit can soothe gums. Avoid teething gels with benzocaine (Orajel) as the FDA has warned against their use in children under 2.
12 months+
Molar eruption can be particularly uncomfortable. Continue with safe methods: chilled foods, cold washcloths, teething toys, and weight-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Frozen bagels or cold fruits in a mesh feeder can help. Never use products containing benzocaine, lidocaine, or homeopathic teething tablets.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is fussy, drooling more, and wanting to chew on things during teething
- Teething discomfort lasts a few days around the time each tooth erupts
- Your baby is soothed by chilled teething rings, gum massage, or an appropriate dose of pain reliever
- Mild gum swelling and redness at the eruption site
- Teething discomfort seems unusually severe or prolonged, lasting more than a few days per tooth
- Your baby refuses to eat or drink due to apparent mouth pain
- You are unsure about the correct dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for your baby's weight
- Your baby has a fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C), which is not caused by teething and suggests an illness that needs medical evaluation
- You suspect your baby has ingested a teething product containing benzocaine or a homeopathic teething remedy and is showing symptoms like seizures, difficulty breathing, or unusual drowsiness
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Safe Teething Pain Relief Methods.
Things to mention
- Teething discomfort seems unusually severe or prolonged, lasting more than a few days per tooth
- Your baby refuses to eat or drink due to apparent mouth pain
- You are unsure about the correct dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for your baby's weight
Observations to share
- Teething discomfort seems unusually severe or prolonged, lasting more than a few days per tooth
- Your baby refuses to eat or drink due to apparent mouth pain
- You are unsure about the correct dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for your baby's weight
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has a fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C), which is not caused by teething and suggests an illness that needs medical evaluation
- You suspect your baby has ingested a teething product containing benzocaine or a homeopathic teething remedy and is showing symptoms like seizures, difficulty breathing, or unusual drowsiness
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Resources
Medicine Dosage Calculator
Calculate correct Tylenol and Motrin doses by your baby's weight.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is safe teething pain relief methods normal?
When should I call the doctor about safe teething pain relief methods?
When is safe teething pain relief methods normal?
What causes safe teething pain relief methods?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about safe teething pain relief methods?
Is safe teething pain relief methods normal at 0-3 months?
Is safe teething pain relief methods normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for safe teething pain relief methods?
Does safe teething pain relief methods go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Teething Pain Relief Tips for Babies. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on Oral Health Care for Infants, Children, and Adolescents. AAPD
- [3]U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safely Soothing Teething Pain and Sensory Needs in Babies and Older Children. NIH
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of safe teething pain relief methods are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has a fever over 101 degrees f (38.3 degrees c), which is not caused by teething and suggests an illness that needs medical evaluation.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Medical Concerns
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in Babies
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a genetic disorder affecting about 1 in 17,000 newborns, caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome. It primarily affects boys and impairs the breakdown of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), which accumulate and damage the myelin sheath in the brain and the adrenal glands. The most severe form, cerebral ALD, typically affects boys between ages 4-10 with rapid neurological decline. Newborn screening now enables early detection, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant or gene therapy performed before significant brain involvement can be life-saving.
How to Advocate for Your Child's Needs
You know your child better than anyone, and your observations matter. If you feel something is not right with your child's development or health, you have every right to ask questions, request evaluations, and seek second opinions. Advocating for your child is not being difficult - it is being a good parent.
Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC)
Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a condition in which the corpus callosum — the bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain — fails to develop partially or completely. It occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 births and is one of the most common brain malformations. ACC can be detected on prenatal ultrasound or postnatal MRI. Outcomes vary enormously: some individuals with isolated ACC have normal intelligence and minimal difficulties, while others (especially when ACC occurs alongside other brain abnormalities or genetic syndromes) may have significant developmental delays. The variability means that prenatal counseling and postnatal monitoring are both essential.