Q&A:
What can I give my baby for teething pain?

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Answered by Loraine Stern M.D.

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"I adore children and being a pediatrician because of all the hugging and laughing that we do," say Loraine Stern, M.D.

Loraine Stern, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics at U.C.L.A., has been in private pediatric practice for 35 years. Dr. Stern wrote for Woman's Day magazine from 1986 to 2005. She is a former editor of and contributor to Healthy Kids magazine. She has published two books on child care and has edited a book about pediatric nutrition for the American Academy of Pediatrics. A spokesperson for children and families, Dr. Stern has appeared on national networks and programs such as CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.

Dr. Stern has two stepchildren but no animals or even green plants.

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Question

What is the best medicine to relieve the discomfort of teething?

Answer

First, make sure it is teething that is causing the pain. Fever, diarrhea, and colds are not caused by teething. If your baby is chewing on everything, fussy, and putting his fingers in his mouth, chances are you are right.If you can see a tooth erupting, use one of the commercial teething gels (like Numzit or Orajel) directly on the spot. Avoid spreading the gel all over the gums. Too much could affect the throat and make the baby prone to choking.If you cannot see the exact spot, give the baby something cold to chew on a teething ring from the refrigerator or a frozen miniature bagel. For nighttime relief, a dose of children's acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, etc.) is perfectly all right so everyone can get to sleep.