How to Relieve Baby's Sore Gums

To see that first pearly white tooth in your little one's mouth is a major milestone. Some babies take teething in stride, with hardly any noticeable side effects. Others tend to show a decreased appetite, an increase in crying and a need for extra TLC. To help relieve baby's sore, tender gums, follow these steps

Things You'll Need

• Teething rings
• Washcloth
• Cool water, formula or breast milk
• Chilled baby foods
• Topical pain reliever
• Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Teething pacifier

Instructions

1. Massage her gums gently with a clean finger.

2. Offer him a cold teething ring or a damp washcloth to chew on, or give her a cool drink in her bottle. Water, formula or breast milk will help to cool down the entire mouth.

3. Spoon-feed chilled, baby foods such as applesauce, yogurt or pureed baby food to him. The cold will help to numb the pain.

4. Find a pacifier made especially for teething. These are almost exactly like a run-of-the-mill pacifier, except they have more texturing where they meet the gum-line, which allows baby to self-massage her gums. You'll find these pacifiers at stores carrying infant products.

5. Apply a topical pain reliever designed specifically for infants. These provide relief by numbing the gums, but tend to wear off quickly.

6. Give your baby a dose of infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen if she's still uncomfortable. These should be given in moderation, and it is recommended that you check with your pediatrician first.

7. Shower your baby with extra hugs and kisses. Many babies become more clingy and needy during teething and providing them with extra attention will help comfort them through this transition.

Tips & Warnings

• Many babies get a rash around their chin during teething. Don't panic, this is just a common "drool rash." An over-the-counter barrier cream will clear this up quickly.

• Some babies develop a raspy cough during teething. This is simply caused by excess saliva pooling in the back of their throat.

• A moderate fever can also be associated with teething. A temperature of 101 degrees and below is no cause for alarm.

• Never give your baby aspirin, no matter how small the dose. Aspirin has been linked to "Reye's Syndrome," a rare but serious condition.

• Never give your baby anything to chew on that could choke her. If you let your baby chew on items other than teething rings, be sure to supervise at all times.

• Never put teething rings in the freezer. There are a few teethers specifically designed to go in the freezer; this will be specified on the packaging.

• Topical pain relievers, such as Orajel, can sometimes numb the back of your baby's throat, compromising his gag reflexes.