Teething Pain

Updated on March 10, 2008
C.S. asks from Libertyville, IL
55 answers

My 8 month old is having a hard time with the teething. She is so fussy and is waking up 3 times a night wanting to be held. Tylenol is not helping all that much. I also have tried to massage her gums, but she does not like my finger in her mouth. Does anyone have any solutions on helping with the pain?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Chicago on

Have you ever heard of humphrey's #3? There little teething pellets for babies. They're good for teething and when baby is restless. I gave them to my 3 children when they were teething. You can find them at Osco Drug and I believe at CVS.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Chicago on

I used to wet a washcloth and put it in the freezer and let it get a little hard that would numb their gums. It worked 2 boys 19 and 25 ____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.D.

answers from Chicago on

Dear C.,

I used chamile (sorry if the spelling is wrong) pills, they melt in the mouth and I used them when my son started teething at six months. I got some of them from GNC and other health stores. I really love them better than the teething tablets that they sell at wal-mart. I never seemed to use these as much as tylonel or motrin. Good luck with the teething.
B.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi there, isn't teething so hard? I've read from a few to try Hyland's teething tablets. I want to warn you (and all the other moms reading this thread) against these. I have read from moms in other communities that they are trying to get these pulled off of the shelves in stores because of adverse reactions to these natural tablets (i.e. seizures, symptoms requiring hospitalization, etc.). I think I have a recent e-mail I can forward to anyone wanting more information (just e-mail me). Once I read about this, I tossed my Hyland's away and forwarded the information on to all of my mom friends, I encourage you all to do the same! As to Tylenol, many times it won't work for teething pain but Ibuprofen (brand names Motrin and Advil) will. I don't know if that is because it has an anti-inflammatory agent in it, or what. Another plus, Ibuprofen lasts longer (6-8 hours vs. 3-4 hours) than Tylenol; it just takes a little longer to kick in (about a half hour).

A couple of things for immediate relief: a frozen washcloth, frozen banana slices, frozen mini bagels...they are all great to chew on! If she's teething in a place that her binky touches (if she takes a binky), rub a bit of baby orajel on the approximate spot that would touch the affected area and let her have her binky for five minutes.

Good luck to you...and all of us going through the teething!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Chicago on

I would try infant motrin.
It has better pain control I think.
Your baby needs to be 6 months old to use it so it should be fine since she is 8 months.
I am an an ER physician and an mom of a 1 y/o daughter.
Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.M.

answers from Chicago on

Our daughter loved frozen peach slices in the mesh bag feeders. Any other cold fruit would probably work too. We also used honeydew from the refrigerator. I think it helped her mouth, and it tasted good too. I know that won't help in the middle of the night, but it was great during the day. (We also used teething tabs, Tylenol, etc, but I hadn't seen this suggested before.)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Chicago on

Oragel, Frozen washcloth to chew on, and use ibuprofen instead of Tylenol...it works much better!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from Chicago on

Please go out and buy the BABY ORAJEL GEL immediately!! It truly is a miracle. I just put a little on my finger and rubbed it one her gums and literally within 10-15 seconds, she would feel the relief and fall back to sleep. And of course, she doesn't want you to massage her gums, she's in pain. The last thing she wants is for you to touch the source of her pain. My daughter didn't even want me to put the gel on her gums but she didn't realize that that would help her. Tylenol and Motrin help but it takes about 30 minutes or longer to kick in and when you see your baby in pain, you want to give her some relief immediately!! They have ORAJEL in different forms, gel, liquid, swabs with the orajel already on them and I think a night-time one. I prefered the gel one. Please don't let your little one suffer any longer. Trust me this works! Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.S.

answers from Chicago on

try putting a teething ring in the freezer, and giving it to her

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.D.

answers from Chicago on

To C. S and other Moms try using either the ALMOND OR VANILLA EXTRACT is good for teething pain as well as putting a CABBAGGE on your breast for drying up milk very fast.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Chicago on

Teething Tablets. You get them at Walgreens or Walmart. They work great.
Good Luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Chicago on

try motrin or highlands teething tablets, they are all natural. motrin always worked better for my son than tylenol.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.H.

answers from Chicago on

try baby orajel nighttime relief...that seemed to help my
daughter...when that didn't we relied on the good ole teething rings.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.D.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter had a hrd time with teething too. I used to make her chamomile tea. I would also let her just suck on the tea bag too sometimes. If she was real fussy I would add a little bit of pear juice to it for sweetness to it for her. She now loves tea and it helped alot with her fussiness. I also gave her the homeopathic teething tablets, those just dissolve on her tongue. I would at times give her 5 at a time. Those helped TONS. Love them, Good luck.
AND JUST FOR THE RECORD I DO KNOW ABOUT THE HOMEOPATHIC TEETHING TABLETS!!! I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH, I AM NOT SAYING TO GIVE HER THE WHOLE BOTTLE. I DID NOT SAY THAT THEY WERE NOT HERBAL, I SAID WHAT THEY ARE CALLED HOMEOPATHIC TEETHING TABLETS.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Chicago on

my son is not teething yet but my neighbor's son is. i asked her what seemed to work and she said freezing a wet washcloth and letting them chew on it. she said it was helping him. hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi, C.. Here's an old remedy handed down (two things, actually).

frozen wet washcloth: take a clean, slightly wrung out wet wash cloth, twist it up, put it in the freezer.... when it's frozen, hand it over. In my opinion (and experience), little ones and puppies have some things in common. They teeth, it hurts, it distracts them and they want to chew on stuff to 1)relieve the pain and 2)have something busy to do.

My second one (this is usually for when they're a bit older and don't leave them unattended): Same thing as above but a BANANA. Freeze a banana and they will gnaw and gnaw at this and it will taste good, too.

As for meds? Ibuprofin (motrin, advil). It's an anti-inflammatory. Works wonders when the pain is really bad.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Chicago on

Hi C.,

My son had the HARDEST time teething... he seriously got in 4 at a time. he is 15 months old and has 16 teeth in his mouth already!! We had to keep him on a regular schedule of Tylenol - every 6-8 hours at it's worst.

We chose Tylenol because it is gentler on the stomach, and he had acid reflux. Motrin was not a good option for us, for that reason. It can cause stomach irritation and heartburn - the exact thing we were trying to minimize by giving him Zantac. So although it reduces inflammation AND is a pain reliever, it wasn't the ideal choice for us.

Ask your pediatrician, if the pain is really bad, you can give her both Tylenol and Motrin in alternating cycles, I am just not sure of the dose or time frame between doses. Your pharmacist likely has this info too.

My son never found any comfort in the wet wash cloth tricks, or anything frozen or cold to put on his gums. I tried the Orajel once on myself for tooth pain caused by a sinus infection... it worked for about 3 minutes - hardly what I would consider relief... In my opinion,... it's a big waste of money.

Good luck... and remember... this too shall pass... it will probably be replaced by something else (LOL) but it will pass.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.H.

answers from Chicago on

Have you ruled out an ear infection? That often accounts for changes in night time sleeping and need to be held, often in more upright rather than recumbent position.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Chicago on

The Hylands Homeopathic Teething Tablets are the best things by far.They not only ease the pain, but there all natural too. I give my daughter 2 every couple of hrs.( When the pain is seeming to be at it's worse). They usually work with in 15 to 20 minets. I never leave home without some. I was able to get my tablets at Wal-Mart were they have the adult medicine at. Good luck, teething's h*** o* us also.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.D.

answers from Springfield on

I can definitely symapathize with you. My children have a terrible time with teething. My son's second tooth bulged for over 4 weeks before it finally broke through. We alternated use of tylenol and ibuprofen. He did get dry chapped cheeks and chin due to all of the drooling and fist in the mouth. I just rinsed the irritated skin, patted dry, and then use aquaphor to help sooth & protect. So far 4 down 20+ teeth to go!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Chicago on

You could try letting her chew on a cold, wet washcloth to help ease her pain. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Chicago on

Try Motrin at bed time instead of Tylenol. Motrin lasts for 8 hours instead of the 4-6 of Tylenol. You could also put a peasize amount of ora-gel on a baby toothbrush and give her the brush and let her put it in her mouth - most likely she will put it where it hurts (that helped both of my kids). Also, so refrigerated teethers should help too. Hope this helps!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Cythia,

I know what you are going through. I have a cousin that had a friend tell her about this oral gel called Huricane. It is not in stores. I had to go to walgreens and ask them to order it for me(at the phamacy). You do not need a perscribtion it is over the counter but stores for some reason do not carry it. It is like baby oral gel but stronger. If you go to Wlgreens and tell them you want this they will order it for you. I have put this on my child and it has been my saving grace. I also use teething tablets with the Huricane. Tylenol did not do it but the two of these seem to work.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hylands TEETHING TABLETS. You can get them at Walgreens or most baby depts in Target or WalMart. They dissolve instantly in their mouth and help them sleep too. All natural - so you're not "drugging" you kid, either.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.M.

answers from Chicago on

motrin seems to help us with my 7 month old!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from Chicago on

We used Hyland's Teething Tablets. My son loved them.

http://www.hylands.com/products/teething.php

Might want to try it while also using the motrin or tylenol.
Good Luck, N.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.A.

answers from Chicago on

Try using a topical rub like Baby Orajel with the tylenol. The Orajel lasts long enough to help the baby go back to sleep and gives the tylenol a chance to kick in. We started using it when our daughter was a little younger than your own.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi C.,
I am right there with you. My 17 month old is getting his lower incisors and we are not getting much sleep either. I did however remember a little secret that we used with my older son.

Hylands Teething Tablets. You can find them at your grocery store or Walgreens (pink box). They help ease pain and calm her enough to sleep.

During the day too, you can wet a washcloth and stick it in the freezer and use that as a teether as well as those vibrating teething toys.

I hope you get some sleep,
B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.F.

answers from Chicago on

try infant ibuprofen,that works best for any mouth pain.
good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Chicago on

walgreens and cvs i know sell this herbal teething tabs .... (i forgot the name)they are little desolvable tabs and you give them 2 as directed and they were great for my son... (i tried one myself to see what was so great and they don't numb the mouth or anything...i don't know how they work but they just do!!! Also.... tyenol at least for my son NEVER works as well as ibprophen..try using that to get you thru the night.... goodluck!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.A.

answers from Chicago on

C., layer Motrin and Tylenol, talk to your nurse the pediatrician's office about their recommendations, but my doctor and my SIL who is a nurse told me to give Motrin in the appropriate dose, then two hours later Tylenol in the correct dose and then followed the waiting period for Motrin and so on after that. My son got his teeth in big sets and had the most difficult time - this really helped. NOW, just to be safe I only would do this Tylenol/Motrin thing for a week and then give his system/tummy/liver a break and use Hyland's Homeopathic Teeting tablets (sold at Target, etc) they are also a dream. It is good to rotate - everything in moderation.
BEst of luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Chicago on

Oragel PM is a miracle in a tube! The reason why it's PM is because it's a little stronger and lasts longer that regular oragel. When my kids were teething (many years ago) their pediatrician told me not to even bother with regular oragel during the day. His thought was why let them suffer if they don't have to.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

My oldest doesn't respond to Tylenol well... I always use Ibuprofen with her. I'm not a big fan of Tylenol at any rate because it only last four hours and typically wears off before the four hours is up so you spend an hour of misery waiting to give the next dose and then waiting for it to kick in.

Try Ibuprofen for her teeth. I found mine complained mostly at night so I only gave them painkillers for teeth when I needed them to sleep. I would try popsicles and Ora-gel during the day. But that's just me.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.N.

answers from Chicago on

Have you tried putting night time baby ambosal on her gums as well as the tylenol? The other idea that a friend gave worked for my twins. She suggested amber necklaces for my boys. They wore them one day and what a difference. The soaks in through the skin and relieves the pain.

Hope this helps!
B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Chicago on

I went through the wringer with my daughter (she's five now). During her teething period, I tried everything because she was running a high fever and in pain. I think I cried more for her because she was suffering. Then I tried the Motrin (for infants) and it knocked that fever right out. It was just what my daughter needed. She slept like a baby and I regained my sanity :)-

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.A.

answers from Chicago on

how about some orajel rubbed on the gums with a Qtip swab.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Bloomington on

Have you tried frozen teething rings and Ambesol.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Chicago on

Yes get a wash cloth either wet (cold)or set it in the freezer for a few minutes then hand it to them and let them chew on it. It always done wonders for mine

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Springfield on

We tried the teething tablets that you can purchase at Walmart or Walgreens. That worked wonderfully with our first child. Our second was a worse teether and they were not as effective. She seemed to respond better to Motrin rather than tylenol. Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Chicago on

Try using Hyland's Teething Tablets. They work great for my little girl. You can find them at Walmart

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Chicago on

Try homeopathic teeth tablets by Hyland. YOu can find them at Walgreens and they worked well for my son.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

Wow, our kids are about the same ages! (daughter born 6/1 and son 12/21/04)
I ADORE homeopathic remedies, which can work so fast, too. Try a homeopathic teething drops. They have them at health food stores (Fruitful Yield and Whole Foods) and also sometimes at CVS or Walgreens. Here's an example of one I found online:
http://store.nationalsupplementcenter.com/bor134049.html
The liquid is easier than the quick dissolving tablets, but those work really well too. I have found the drops to work so much better. And they're not damaging to the liver like Tylenol can be. Just make sure it's only homeopathic and not herbal (unless you get it from someone who knows what they're doing when it comes to herbs -- I know someone in Naperville if you need a referral). Try it and you will probably end up as amazed as I have been w/ homeopathy!

(And the info regarding a recall on Hylands Teething Tablets is incorrect -- no info is on their site that a recall has been made. Also, you can contact Hylands on how to administer the tablets if you're concerned about giving your baby a tablet. Just letting it roll on their tongue is as good as having it under the tongue. But the drops are easier. Here's a statement regarding the email circulating about hyland's teething tablets hurting a baby: http://www.hylands.com/news/teethinginfo.php)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter is 19 months old and just cut about 5 teeth at once. She has been an extrememly slooooowww teether. The thing that I found that has worked extrememly well are teething tablets. I got the advice from the nurse at my OB-GYN when I was first pregnant. They have been a life saver!! I have to ask for them at the pharmacy at Target because they are behind the counter. They are all natural with no side effects. The tablets super small and disolve instantly as soon as they are placed in baby's mouth. The first time I gave one to Chloe she was when she was about 6 months old. I was so worried she would choke on it I tried it myself and I found that it disolved right away. I hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Chicago on

I have had tremendous success with Hylands teething tablets (not the gel). Available at Walgreen's and Whole Foods for @ $5. It's a homeopathic remedy and it has worked like a charm for my son who is now 9 months old. You use 3 tablets and try to get them under the tongue but even if they're just in the mouth it seems ok and they melt. My son gets very excited when he seems the bottle because I think he knows he'll feel better.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hylands Teething tablets are wonderful, the melt instantly. Wal-Mart sells them in the baby area by the bottles. They are the only thing that worked for us, and everyone that I recommend them too also raves about them.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.

answers from Chicago on

Motrin seems to help with teething issues much better than tylenol. Since she is past 6months I would try that. However, my kids have very sensitive gums too, and it always bothered them more than I think the average child. I did see a difference when using Motrin though. Good luck!
D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Chicago on

When seniors are on limited restrictions they receive one of those popsicles on a stick in the form of a sponge. It is soft and can be put on ice to soothe their gums. Ask your pediatrician about it. Also put a baby carrot in the freezer and allow her to suck on it. This works also.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Chicago on

Homeopathic teething tablets made by Humprey's or Highlands. They work great!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.C.

answers from Chicago on

i've found that motrin/ibuprophen works better/longer than tylenol. i know some people have found that baby oragel works really well, though my baby hates it and it's REALLY numbing--i put some in her mouth and stuck my finger in my mouth to get the rest out and i swear they could have drilled a cavity!! frozen washcloths were a favorite of my dd but she didn't like holding them... frozen waffles/french toast (un-toasted) work great, too, though yours may be a little young for that.

good luck, and remember that this will pass!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.A.

answers from Chicago on

Hi C.. Have you tried Motrin at all? She should be old enough to have that instead of the Tylenol. I would ask the dr for sure, but my son is 9 months old and had Motrin under advice from the dr around 7 months. I think it helps with the pain a little more. Also, if she doesn't like just your finger in your mouth, I have heard that putting one of the little thimbles on your finger that you use to brush their baby teeth and letting her chew on that helps. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.C.

answers from Bloomington on

I have found that Tylenol doesn't work with my boys. I use Motrin. There is also a p.m. orajel that works great.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.H.

answers from Chicago on

What does the dr. say about a touch of NUMBSIT? You could put it on the gums with a q-tip. Little, hand held biscuits help rub the gums during the day and baby can do that herself. It's an annoying time for all parents at these times but not as bad as it is for baby. Good luck mommy

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.F.

answers from Chicago on

Calcarea Phosphorica 3X HPUS - supports dentition
Chamomilla 3X HPUS - for irritability
Coffea Cruda 3X HPUS - for wakefulness and diuresis
Belladonna 3X HPUS (0.0003% Alkaloids) - for redness and inflammation
In a base of Lactose (milk sugar) NF.

Available in bottles of 125 quick dissolving tablets.

This is what's in the teething tablets. I'm going to research this, but I don't that I'm comfortable giving my son (4-months old) anyway with Belladonna, even in tiny doses.

Just FYI, whoever said these are homeopathic and not herbal: um, chamomile is an herb.

Please Moms, remember that "all natural" doesn't always mean safe. I don't know anything about these tablets, so I can't speak to them yet, but please don't assume something is safe just because it's "all natural." Poison Ivy is natural, and I wouldn't call that safe (well, safe for me because I'm one of those rare people who isn't affected by it, but you know what I mean ;-) ). *See two links I posted below for more info on the teething tablets. Maybe they're okay.*

My daughter started teething at 2 1/2 months and is now getting some adult teeth and molars at age 5. My 4-month old son is close to cutting his first two teeth, and he's been unhappy. Our peds office has us give Tylenol to him. They say that the topical medications are a waste of money because they only last a few minutes. I tested this on myself and found it to be true. Also, almond or vanilla extract is mostly alcohol. If you wouldn't rub their gums with whiskey, don't do it with these extracts.

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I'm all about being safe. Good luck, C., and know that I'm there with you RIGHT NOW! ;-)

C.

http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/babies/teething.html#H...

http://www.hylands.com/news/teethinginfo.php

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Bloomington on

I remember something about frozen fruit (I think it was pineapple rings) are good and healthy for babies who are teething. There are also teething rings you can put into the freezer. I was also thingking there are tome topical medications which you can rub on the gums and it temporaritly numbs the gums. The only thing is, you should make sure your pediatrician says it's safe and it tastes bad so babies really don't like it. I hope this helps you.
Kathy M

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches