17 Natural Solutions for Teething Pain

Just when you believed your little one had begun sleeping soundly through the night, she suddenly wakes up the entire neighborhood with a 3 A.M. performance. You stumble into her room, half-asleep, trying to figure out what’s wrong. As you cradle her, she grabs your finger and starts chewing. This has been happening for months, but tonight you notice something hard emerging from her lower gums—her very first tooth!

The arrival of your baby’s first tooth is a joyous milestone, marking a significant moment in her development. It also explains the excessive drooling, the constant urge to chew on anything within reach, and the recent fussiness. For days or even months, your little one has endured swollen, tender gums. The term "cutting teeth" is no exaggeration—it’s a challenging process for any child.

In this article, we’ll share 17 practical methods to soothe teething pain, from simple kitchen remedies to strategies for keeping your baby comfortable. But first, let’s explore what teething really means.

Babies are born with tooth buds already formed beneath their gums. These primary teeth, which develop before birth, typically start emerging between six and seven months, often beginning with a lower central incisor. However, the timing of tooth eruption varies widely, so it’s not unusual for some babies to show teeth as early as two months or as late as twelve months.

Teeth generally appear in a predictable sequence: central incisors (middle teeth) emerge between 6 to 12 months, lateral incisors between 9 to 13 months, canines (cuspids) between 16 to 22 months, first molars between 13 to 19 months, and second molars between 25 to 33 months. By the age of three, most children have their full set of primary teeth.

Teething, or the process of cutting baby teeth, can be uncomfortable for both the baby and their caregivers. As teeth break through the sensitive gum tissue, it causes pain, often leading to irritability and fussiness in the baby.

The journey of primary teeth development continues until around the third birthday. Typically, the bottom front teeth appear first, followed by the top front teeth. Gaps or slight misalignment in early teeth are normal and usually correct themselves over time.

By the time your child’s first set of teeth is complete, she will have 20 teeth ready for chewing. These primary teeth will remain in place until they are replaced by permanent teeth, usually around the age of six.

Common signs of teething include irritability, excessive drooling, chewing on objects, frequent crying, reddened gums, reduced appetite, and trouble sleeping. Some babies may also experience spit-up or mild diarrhea due to changes in saliva production and composition. Additionally, prolonged contact with saliva can cause a red, slightly swollen rash on the cheeks, chin, neck, and chest. Occasionally, teething may lead to a low-grade fever, nasal congestion, or ear tugging, which can resemble symptoms of an ear infection. These reactions are typical, but consulting your pediatrician can provide reassurance if concerns arise.

Teething is a natural phase of development, but simple kitchen items can help soothe your baby’s discomfort and bring temporary relief. In the following section, we’ll explore effective home remedies to alleviate teething pain.

For additional guidance on baby care, explore the following resources:

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume responsibility for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, dietary changes, actions, or medications based on this information. This publication does not substitute professional medical advice, and readers should consult their physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

Natural Solutions for Teething Discomfort

Teething often causes discomfort for infants, prompting moms to step in with soothing solutions. Numerous home remedies can ease a baby’s pain, offering relief to both the child and the parent. Many of these remedies involve everyday kitchen items or simple foods.

Freezer-Based Home Remedies

Chilled banana relief. Freeze a banana and let your baby gently press it against her gums for a sweet, soothing effect.

Chilled Towel Relief. Wrap ice in a clean dish towel and allow your baby to gently suck on it. The cold will reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Avoid letting your baby chew directly on ice, as it can damage delicate gums.

Kitchen Cabinet Solutions

Frozen Baby Bottle. Fill a baby bottle with water and freeze it upside down so the nipple becomes icy. When your baby becomes fussy, offer the bottle to let them chew on the cold, soothing nipple for relief.

Teething Biscuits. These firm, unsweetened crackers are perfect for babies to gnaw on as their teeth push through the gums, providing comfort and relief.

Drawer-Based Remedies

Chilled Dishcloth. Place a clean, damp dishcloth or towel in the refrigerator to cool it down. Once cold, give it to your baby to chew on. This will soothe inflamed gums and provide a comforting sensation in their mouth.

Cool Spoon Trick. Follow the American Dental Association’s advice: chill a spoon in the fridge for a few hours, then let your baby gnaw on it. The cold metal will bring relief to sore gums and make your little one happy.

Refrigerator-Based Remedies

Cold Applesauce. Chilled foods like applesauce straight from the fridge are not only tasty but also gentle on tender gums.

Bagel Teether. Refrigerate a plain bagel, and it transforms into a natural teething ring. It’s perfect for babies to chew on as their teeth emerge, helping to alleviate teething discomfort.

Fruit for Relief. Offer your baby apple wedges, or for younger infants, place the wedges in a washcloth and hold it for them to chew on.

Chilled Carrot. Use a full-sized carrot (not baby carrots) straight from the fridge. Wash or peel it thoroughly, then let your baby gnaw on it to soothe their gums.

Medicine Cabinet Solutions

Use Pain Relievers. Children’s liquid acetaminophen (like Children’s Liquid Tylenol) can provide relief for up to four hours. Reserve it for critical moments, such as bedtime or when other remedies fail. Always follow dosage instructions and avoid exceeding three doses in 24 hours. Consult your pediatrician for proper dosing based on weight. Note: Never give aspirin to a baby, as it may cause Reye syndrome, a serious condition.

Gum Numbing Gel. Over-the-counter teething gels, such as Orajel or Anbesol, offer temporary relief (30 to 40 minutes) and can help your baby through particularly tough teething episodes.

Mom’s Home Remedies

Gum Massage. Applying gentle pressure can alleviate teething discomfort. Use a clean finger to softly rub your baby’s gums.

Distraction Techniques. Sometimes, diverting your baby’s attention from teething pain works wonders. Engage them with a favorite toy, rock or dance with them, or play a fun game like peekaboo to shift their focus.

Encourage Chewing. Chewing helps teeth break through the gums, so let your baby gnaw on safe, clean, and non-toxic objects. Ensure the items are either too large or too small to pose a choking hazard.

Manage Drooling. Teething often leads to excessive drooling, which can irritate the skin. Keep a soft towel nearby to gently wipe your baby’s mouth and chin. For added protection, apply petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment to prevent irritation.

Maintain Oral Hygiene. According to the American Dental Association, it’s important to clean your baby’s teeth and gums early on. Use gauze or a clean cloth to gently rub their gums, which can also ease teething discomfort. If teeth have already emerged, brush them with a soft, child-sized toothbrush.

Teething is temporary, but while it lasts, these tips can help moms provide comfort and relief to their little ones—at least for a short time!

For more baby care tips, explore the following resources:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Timothy Gower is a freelance writer and editor with contributions to numerous publications, including Reader's Digest, Prevention, Men's Health, Better Homes and Gardens, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times. He has authored four books and serves as a contributing editor for Health magazine.

Alice Lesch Kelly is a Boston-based health writer whose work has appeared in Shape, Fit Pregnancy, Woman's Day, Reader's Digest, Eating Well, and Health. She has co-authored three books focused on women's health.

Linnea Lundgren brings over 12 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing for newspapers and magazines. She is the author of four books, including Living Well With Allergies.

Michele Price Mann is a freelance writer whose work has been featured in Weight Watchers and Southern Living magazines. A former assistant health and fitness editor at Cooking Light magazine, she is passionate about health-related topics.

ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS:

Ivan Oransky, M.D., serves as the deputy editor of The Scientist. He has authored or co-authored four books, including The Common Symptom Answer Guide, and his work has been featured in the Boston Globe, The Lancet, and USA Today. He holds positions as a clinical assistant professor of medicine and an adjunct professor of journalism at New York University.

David J. Hufford, Ph.D., is a university professor and chair of the Medical Humanities Department at Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine. He also teaches in the departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Hufford is on the editorial boards of several journals, including Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore.

Publications International, Ltd.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume responsibility for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, dietary changes, actions, or medications based on this information. This publication does not substitute professional medical advice, and readers should consult their physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment.