Teething Pain: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What You Need to Know

When your baby starts drooling nonstop, chewing on everything, and crying more than usual, it’s often teething pain, the discomfort babies feel as their first teeth push through the gums. Also known as infant teething, this is a normal part of development—but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch. Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, but some start as early as 3 months or as late as 12. The process can last months, with each new tooth bringing a fresh wave of fussiness, sleepless nights, and frantic googling.

Teething pain isn’t just about sore gums. It’s linked to teething symptoms, a cluster of signs like increased drooling, swollen gums, mild fever, and irritability. But here’s the catch: not every fever or rash is from teething. If your baby has a high fever, diarrhea, or a rash that spreads, it’s not teething—it’s something else. Pediatricians see too many parents mistaking infections for teething. That’s why knowing the real signs matters.

What actually helps? Cold things work. A clean, chilled washcloth or a solid silicone teether from the fridge can numb the area and give relief. Massaging the gums gently with a clean finger helps too. Avoid teething gels with benzocaine—they’re risky for babies under 2. Same with amber necklaces: no science says they work, and they’re a choking hazard. Home remedies like rubbing alcohol or vanilla extract? Skip them. They’re not safe, and they don’t help.

For pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if your baby is over 6 months) are the only OTC options backed by evidence. Always check the dose with your pediatrician. Breastfeeding can also be soothing—some babies nurse more during teething, not because they’re hungry, but because the sucking feels good. Don’t feel guilty if they want to nurse all night.

Teething pain doesn’t cause ear infections, colds, or diarrhea. But the extra drool can irritate the skin around the mouth and chest, leading to rashes. Keep that area dry. Use a soft bib and wipe gently. If your baby’s gums look white or bulging, that’s the tooth coming. You might even feel it with a clean finger.

Some babies sail through teething with barely a whimper. Others are miserable for weeks. There’s no way to predict how yours will handle it. What you can control is how you respond. Stay calm. Offer comfort. Stick to safe, simple solutions. You’re not alone—millions of parents have been here. And while teething pain feels endless in the moment, it’s temporary. Each tooth that comes in is one less to come.

Below, you’ll find real advice from parents and doctors on what actually eases teething pain, what to avoid, and how to tell if it’s something more serious. No fluff. No myths. Just what works.