Teething in your baby: what really helps? 7 practical tips

Is your baby suddenly putting everything in their mouth, drooling a lot, and a bit cranky? Chances are a first tooth is on its way!

The arrival of the first milk teeth is a special milestone in their first year of life. But it often brings a lot of discomfort too. Their gums feel tight and painful, which can make your little one restless or tearful. As a parent, you naturally want to know what truly helps ease that pain. In this article, we answer the most common questions and share 7 practical tips that offer immediate relief.

On average, the first tooth appears around 6 months of age. But don't worry if your baby is earlier or later. Some babies get a tooth around 4 months, while others show their first white tip only around their first birthday.

Usually, the two bottom front teeth emerge first, followed by the two top front teeth. Between 2.5 and 3 years, the full set of 20 milk teeth is usually complete.

Counter-pressure on the gums relieves the dull ache of an emerging tooth. Wash your hands well and gently massage the sore spot with a clean fingertip. The light friction and pressure often provide immediate relaxation.

Sometimes, on painful days, your child simply needs extra love and security. An extra cuddle on your lap or carrying them in a baby carrier can work wonders to distract them from the pain.

As soon as the very first tip of the white tooth peeks through the gums, start brushing immediately. Use a soft baby toothbrush with a small brush head and a tiny smear of fluoride toddler toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Gently brush the new tooth once a day, and from the first birthday, twice a day. By making it a playful and regular moment early on, your child will get used to good oral hygiene from a young age.

Our tip: turn teeth brushing into a recognizable song or game, for example, in front of the mirror. If your child can watch and smile, brushing won't feel like an obligation but a pleasant, fixed moment before bedtime.

How long does the pain from a teething tooth last?

Usually, a baby experiences the most discomfort in the few days just before the tooth breaks through the gum. As soon as the tip is through, the sharpest pressure disappears, and calm quickly returns.

Why do babies drool so much when teething?

The irritation to the gums activates the salivary glands to produce extra saliva. This helps to keep the mouth clean and cool the gums. You can use a soft bib to prevent skin rash on the chin and neck.

Can a 3-month-old baby use a teething ring?

Yes, as soon as your baby starts grasping objects and bringing them to their mouth, you can offer a lightweight silicone teething ring. Make sure the teething ring is easy for small hands to hold.

Every baby reacts differently to teething. Here are the most common signs:

• Much more drooling than usual, making shirts quickly wet.
• The urge to bite and chew on everything (hands, toys, clothes).
• Red, swollen, or sensitive gums.
• Being more tearful and needing extra comfort and closeness.
• Temporarily having less appetite for warm food or sleeping less well.

Feel free to gently touch their gums with a clean finger or look inside their mouth. You often see a small white bump or tip just below the surface.

Not all popular remedies are equally safe for your baby:

• Never in the freezer: Never put teething rings in the freezer. A frozen ring is too hard and too cold, which can damage the delicate tissue of the mouth. The regular refrigerator is cold enough.
• No amber necklaces: Amber teething necklaces are sometimes recommended, but they carry a real risk of choking and strangulation.
• Be cautious with teething gels: Avoid gels with numbing agents like lidocaine without consulting your doctor.
• Do not confuse teething with illness: A slight temperature increase (up to 38 degrees Celsius) can occur. True fever (above 38 degrees) or watery diarrhea is caused by a virus or infection, not a tooth. Always consult your doctor if in doubt.

When babies have discomfort in their mouths, they instinctively want to put their jaws on everything. A safe silicone teething ring is then essential. The pressure from biting stimulates blood flow and soothes tension in the gums. A favorite is the Broemba toy remote control Torino: babies love recognizable household items, so this toy combines soft biting textures with enjoyable distraction. In our blog about babies' teething needs, you can read why chewing and exploring are so closely linked.

Feel free to put the teething ring in the refrigerator for half an hour before use. The mild cold naturally and safely numbs the painful spots.

Is your child already trying solid foods (from about 4 to 6 months)? Then a silicone fruit feeder is an ideal combination of taste discovery and pain relief.

The Broemba bear-shaped fruit feeder is made of soft, food-safe silicone. Put a piece of chilled banana, ripe pear, or avocado in the nipple part. As your baby safely sucks and chews without the risk of choking, the cold fruit provides welcome cooling for their warm gums.

Do you want to safely soothe your little one's gums? Check out Broemba's fruit feeders for cooled fruit purees or discover all our soft teethers.