The short answer
For teething discomfort, try gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger or offering a firm teething ring chilled in the refrigerator, not frozen. Avoid benzocaine or lidocaine gels, homeopathic teething products, and necklaces or cords. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about pain medicine; this guide does not provide a dose.
In this guide · 9 sections
Keep in mind
- Begin with gentle, medicine-free comfort measures.
- A teething ring may be chilled in the refrigerator; do not freeze it or tie it around the neck.
- Avoid numbing gels, homeopathic teething products, and teething jewellery.
Which methods can you try first?
For teething discomfort, starting with medicine-free, lower-risk options is a sensible first step. The AAP and FDA describe gently rubbing or massaging the gums with a clean finger. Gentle pressure may ease the feeling of sore gums for some babies.
You can also offer a firm, safe teething ring. NHS advice says to cool it in the fridge, not the freezer. Follow the product instructions and check that it is clean, intact, and has no small parts that could come loose.
Not every baby prefers the same option. One may like a cool teething ring, while another prefers chewing or a brief gum massage. The aim is to find a safe option your baby accepts, not to insist on one method.
Does cold help, and should you freeze a teething ring?
Coolness may temporarily ease gum discomfort, but colder is not always better. The NHS says a teething ring can be cooled in the fridge but should not be put in the freezer. A frozen ring can become too hard and hurt sensitive gums.
For the same reason, do not give your baby an ice cube to chew. A small hard piece could create a choking risk or injure the mouth.
If you use a cool cloth or product, keep it clean and watch how your baby uses it. Do not leave your baby alone with an object they are chewing.
Which gels and tablets should you avoid?
Not every gum-numbing product is safe. The FDA advises against benzocaine and lidocaine products for teething pain in babies and young children. Benzocaine can cause methemoglobinaemia, a rare but serious condition that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen; lidocaine has also been linked to serious heart and nervous-system effects.
The AAP also does not recommend homeopathic teething tablets or gels. A “natural” or “herbal” label does not establish that a product is safe for your baby. Some homeopathic products have had safety concerns and variable ingredients.
A product being sold in a pharmacy or online is not enough to show that it is suitable. Before applying anything to your baby’s gums, check the ingredients and ask a healthcare professional; avoid numbing products.
Why avoid amber necklaces and other teething jewellery?
The AAP says there is no reliable evidence that amber teething necklaces relieve pain. They can also pose choking or strangulation risks if beads break or a cord catches. Do not put a necklace, string, or similar item around your baby’s neck for teething.
The same principle applies to tying a teething ring around your baby’s neck. NHS advice says not to use a teething ring this way. A soothing item should be held and used under adult supervision.
What if the pain seems significant?
Some babies have mild discomfort, while others may be more unsettled for a short time. If medicine-free measures are not enough, ask your baby’s GP, health visitor, or pharmacist which pain relief is suitable for their age, weight, and health. This guide does not give a medicine dose because the right dose depends on the child and product.
If your baby is very unsettled and also has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, true diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, unusual weakness, or difficulty drinking, do not assume teething explains everything. These signs may relate to another illness and may need assessment.
Speak with your GP or health visitor if discomfort is getting worse, eating or drinking is significantly difficult, or symptoms are disrupting daily life for several days.
What can you do today?
After washing your hands, try a short, gentle massage with a clean finger over the area of gum that seems tender.
If the instructions allow, cool a teething ring in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it or tie it around your baby’s neck.
Check the labels on teething products at home. Set aside products containing benzocaine or lidocaine and homeopathic teething products, and ask a healthcare professional about safer options.
If pain is pronounced, or fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, difficulty drinking, or a change in overall condition is present, seek advice rather than relying only on soothing measures.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Breathing difficulty, blue colouring, difficulty waking, or a clear worsening in your baby’s condition needs urgent assessment.
- Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, vomiting, diarrhoea, or difficulty drinking should not be attributed to teething alone.
Sources used for this guide
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children
- www.nhs.uk — regional guidance
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — Teething Necklaces and Beads
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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