- It can be hard to know when a baby/toddler is actually teething. Babies are fussy, drooly, chewers for many different reasons. Parents and doctors probably blame a lot of things on teething that aren’t actually related.
- Teething does not cause a fever. Teething also doesn’t cause severe pain. Babies/toddlers may be a little more fussy than normal or have some trouble sleeping and eating, but they should not be inconsolable or miserable for long periods of time.
- Some commonly suggested teething treatments are actually dangerous and should not be used including:
- Over-the-counter teething gels can have harmful side effects
- Teething necklaces are choking and strangulation risks
- Teethers with water can break or tear
- The best way to treat teething pain is with gentle massage and/or teethers. A wet washcloth kept in the freezer for a short period of time can work wonders too.
- For medication you can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or if your baby is older than 6 months, ibuprofen (Motrin). Try to rely on medication only for nighttime pain to reduce how much total medication a child gets. Use distraction and teethers for daytime pain.