And if you rub gently with a small gauze pad, you'll not only help relieve teething pain, but also clean your baby's mouth and get her used to the sensation of having her teeth cleaned, says John A. Bogert, D.D.S., executive director of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in Chicago. Offer soothing comfort . Sometimes a little tender care can ease the discomfort of a teething baby, says James F. Steiner, D.D.S., professor of clinical pediatrics and associate director of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cuddling your baby, rocking him or walking with him often can make him feel better. Supply a washcloth to chomp on .
Chewing can make tender gums feel better, agree doctors.
Give your baby a clean washcloth to chew on, suggests Linda Jonides, R.N., a certified pediatric nurse practitioner in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Chilling the cloth in the refrigerator beforehand may make it feel even better. Ice is nice . Wrap a piece of ice in a bit of cotton cloth, says William Kuttler, D.D.S., a dentist in Dubuque, Iowa. Be sure that the ice itself doesn't touch the gum, however, and that you keep the wrapped ice moving rather than holding it in one place.