Many babies experience discomfort when their first set of teeth come in, which can in turn lead to other symptoms like crankiness and difficulty sleeping or eating; some even develop congestion, fever, or a rash around the mouth from drooling. There are a variety of remedies for teething that can help alleviate pain and other symptoms. Often, providing something hard to chew on is useful, as this will put the pressure on the baby's gums that counteracts the pressure of the tooth trying to push through. Cold can also help numb the gums and relieve swelling. In some cases, medication or homeopathic remedies may help.
Pressure on the gums is one of the most simple and effective remedies for teething, and one of the easiest ways to do it is giving the baby something hard to chew on. Hard toys that will fit in the baby's mouth but are too large to swallow work well. Babies already eating solid food may be given teething biscuits. If nothing else is available, a parent may simply offer a finger or knuckle to bite down on; using the fingers to massage the gums can also provide relief.
Another of the most safe and useful remedies for teething is applying something cold to the gums. One simple way to use this method is by giving the baby a cooled teething ring filled with water to chew on; these rings can be kept cool in the refrigerator until needed. Some parents may also use cold or frozen fruit or a washrag to apply cold, as well as giving the baby something to chew on.
Certain medications may also be used as remedies for teething if the pain is severe and other methods do not bring relief. Teething gels that contain painkillers are readily available over the counter and can be rubbed directly onto the gums to soothe them. Infants' or children's versions of drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given as well if needed; these drugs can also help if a fever is present. Babies who develop a rash around the mouth can benefit from application of a moisture barrier to keep drool off of their skin; Vaseline is effective for this.
Some parents may prefer homeopathic remedies for teething. Clove oil is known to provide pain relief when rubbed on the gums. Some homeopathic remedies containing a variety of natural ingredients may also be purchased.