Teething turns even the cheeriest babies into distressed little ones who struggle through sleepless nights, not able to eat their favorite foods, and cry inconsolably as tiny teeth push through tender gums. The constant baby drooling during teething, irritability, and discomfort can leave parents feeling helpless, especially when they don’t know which baby teething remedies actually work. If you do not provide teething pain relief for babies, this hard time can throw off your whole family’s routine and maybe even affect your baby’s sleep and eating habits. At Dentistry for Children, our experienced team specializes in first tooth baby care and provides expert guidance to families navigating this difficult milestone.
This blog provides you with proven baby teething tips and safe teething solutions that really work. We will help you figure out the signs of teething in babies, how to tell the difference between teething symptoms vs illness, and give you natural and safe ways for soothing teething discomfort.
Understanding the Teething Process
Teething starts at around 6 months in most babies, but some start as early as 3 months, while others don’t get their first tooth until after their first birthday. The two bottom front teeth typically appear first, followed by the top front teeth.
As teeth push through the gums, they lead to inflammation and tenderness that can make your baby miserable. Some common signs are too much drooling, the need to chew, the urge to chew on everything, troubled sleeping, mild irritability, and sometimes a low-grade fever. But it’s important to know the difference between teething symptoms and illness. While teething can be uncomfortable, a high fever above 101° F, severe diarrhea, or vomiting usually means something more serious that needs medical attention.
The whole process of teething lasts until about age 3, when most kids have all 20 of their primary teeth. Every time a new tooth comes in, it brings its own problems. That’s why parents love using natural teething remedies that actually work.
Effective Ways to Soothe Teething Pain
1. Chewables and teething toys – Teething toys for infants are still one of the best and safest options available in the market. Chewing puts pressure on the gums, which helps ease the pain of teeth pushing through. When choosing teething toys, look for textured silicone teethers, rubber toys that are BPA-free, and toys with different surfaces that can reach different areas of the mouth.
We also suggest picking sizes that are right according to your child’s age and don’t pose a choking risk. For your baby’s oral health, you should clean these toys with warm, soapy water regularly. Amber necklaces and other teething jewelry are popular amongst parents, but you should not use them as they can put your baby at risk of choking and strangulation.
2. Cold Therapy – Cold teething relief works by numbing the gums for a short while and reducing swelling. Many families have used this tried-and-true method to deal with teething pain in their babies.
| Method | How to Use | Important Safety Note |
| Cold Teething Ring | Put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes | Don’t freeze all the way—becomes hard for soft gums |
| Cold Washcloth | Dampen and chill, supervise while they chew | Watch over to prevent choking |
| Refrigerated Spoon | Gently rub on the gums | Check the temperature first |
| Frozen Fruit in a Mesh Feeder | For babies who eat solids | Always supervise |
Our pediatric dentists in Silverdale recommend that cold therapy sessions should only last 15-20 minutes at a time. Always keep an eye on your baby during these sessions to make sure they are safe and protected.
3. Gentle Gum Massage – Gum massage for teething provides immediate comfort and can be done anywhere, anytime. The pressure counteracts the discomfort of emerging teeth and helps many babies feel better quickly.
Here’s how to do it properly:
- Make sure to wash your hands properly
- Put clean, damp gauze around your index finger
- Use circular motions to gently rub your baby’s gums
- Apply gentle pressure on the area where the teeth are coming through
- Keep going for 2 to 3 minutes or as long as your baby stays comfortable
You can repeat this technique several times throughout the day. Many parents at our children’s dentistry practice in Poulsbo find that combining gum massage with other remedies provides the best results.
Important note: Never use numbing gels containing Benzocaine on infants. The FDA has issued serious warnings against their use in children under two due to potentially life-threatening side effects.
4. Safe Teething Biscuits & Foods – Teething biscuits and snacks provide relief with nutrition for babies who’ve just started eating solid foods. These foods are specifically made so that they dissolve slowly, providing long-term comfort while minimizing choking risks.
Good options include commercially prepared teething biscuits, chilled cucumber sticks for older babies, cold carrot sticks (large enough to grip safely), frozen bagels, and chilled banana pieces. The key is constant supervision—never leave your baby alone while eating.
Our pediatric dentistry Poulsbo experts emphasize avoiding sugary foods, even during teething. Sugar can lead to decay of teeth before their time, which can be the reason for bad oral health before all of your teeth have emerged.
Creating a Comforting Environment
Beyond physical remedies, your baby’s environment plays a significant role in how they experience teething. Babies who feel secure and calm handle discomfort better than those who are stressed or overstimulated.
Try following a regular sleep schedule despite disturbances, offering extra cuddles and physical comfort, keeping room temperatures comfortable, using white noise to promote better sleep, and reducing stimulation during peak discomfort times. Your baby senses your stress levels, so staying calm helps them feel more secure.
Some babies prefer smaller, more frequent feedings during intense teething periods. Others find comfort in extended nursing or bottle sessions. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and adjust accordingly.
What to Avoid During Teething
While searching for baby teething tips, you’ll encounter many suggestions—not all of them safe. Some traditional remedies can actually harm your baby.
Don’t use:
- Gels containing Benzocaine (hazardous to health)
- Homeopathic teething tablets (FDA warnings issued)
- Alcohol on gums (not safe and ineffective)
- Put frozen things directly on the gums (can cause tissue damage)
- Teething jewelry (choking and strangulation hazard)
- Pain medication without a pediatrician’s approval
Our children’s dentistry professionals in Silverdale warn parents not to trust every remedy they read online. Consult with healthcare professionals before trying any remedy on your baby if it seems suspicious or makes you uncomfortable.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Teething is a normal part of growing up, but sometimes situations need to be looked at by a professional. If your child has a fever over 101°F, diarrhea or vomiting that won’t go away for days, extreme irritability that lasts for several days, or refusal to eat or drink for a long period of time, bleeding or swelling in the gums, or a rash that spreads beyond the chin area, call your pediatric dentist in Poulsbo or pediatrician.
Additionally, make an appointment for your baby’s first dental visit before they turn one or within six months of the first tooth appearing. This early visit establishes a foundation for lifelong oral health and allows our team to provide personalized pediatric dentist teething advice.
At Dentistry for Children, we serve families throughout Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Hansville, Silverdale, Belfair, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Kingston, Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow, Seabeck, and Gig Harbor. We understand that dental experiences of a child in the early days affect their attitude toward oral health for life, which is why we focus on providing positive, gentle visits from the very first appointment.
Your Partner in Navigating Teething Problems
Teething is a tough time for babies, but with the right safe teething solutions, you can make it easier for them to get through this stage. These tried and tested methods really help from picking the right teething toys for infants to using cold teething relief methods and gentle gum massage for teething to help with teething. Understanding the signs of teething in babies and when to call a professional will help you ensure that they get the right care at the right time.
At Dentistry for Children, we are dedicated to helping families with their child’s dental care at every stage of their dental growth. Our caring staff provides child dentistry in Gig Harbor, Poulsbo, Seabeck, and pediatric dentistry in Silverdale services. Many families have been able to get through their child’s teething stage with our help. We use the latest technologies and a gentle, child-friendly approach that makes both children and parents feel at ease. We are here to help wherever you need pediatric dentist teething advice or full dental care as your child grows.
Ready to give your baby the expert care they deserve? Contact Dentistry for Children today at (360) 377-3844. Our experienced pediatric dentists serving Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Hansville, Silverdale, Belfair, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Kingston, Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow, Seabeck, and Gig Harbor are here to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need to make teething easier for everyone.
