A new parent will beam with pride when their child's first tooth breaks through the gums and then realize it's time to look for teething treatments. There are hundreds of treatments, old wives' tales, and even some questionable options to help relieve a child's pain from an erupting tooth. It's time to separate the bad advice from the fantastic advice before rubbing rum on a baby's gums.

Old Wives' Tales

A popular old wives' tale suggests rubbing vodka or rum on a teething baby's gums. Touted by generations of well-meaning grandparents as a way to soothe pain and help the child to sleep, it is never a good idea to give children alcohol.

Another old wives' tale involves putting an egg into a sock and hanging it in the doorway. There is no scientific proof this method works, and all it appears to do is not give an unhappy child any relief.

Vibrating Toys

Anyone who has ever used a handheld massager will swear by its ability to take away their pain. The same concept is used in the form of a teething ring that vibrates. This movement helps numb and soothe a baby's gums and doubles as a fun toy. This particular toy comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so every kid can find the one that appeals to them.

Avoid Heat

Adults may automatically reach for a heat pack when they're hurting, but when it comes to teething, heat is not comforting for children. The already-inflamed gums will not benefit from the warmth of a heat pack.

Chilled Food

If a baby is teething, reach into the fridge or the freezer to find things they will find comforting. Cold juice or milk, depending on the child's age, can bring a measure of relief. Parents can also provide popsicles or frozen fruit for the baby to gnaw on. It is important to never give a teething baby small pieces of food, as they can become a choking hazard.

Avoid Teething Gels

Teething gels may seem like a fantastic idea, but many of them contain medications such as benzocaine. Avoiding teething gel is a wise choice as it could potentially lead to a deadly reaction in young children.

Medication

When it comes to medication, a doctor should always be consulted on dosage types and amount. Children under 6 months should never be given pain killers, as they can cause a host of troubles. Caregivers of older children can give a child medication, but it needs to be done while consulting a doctor.

As you can see, there are tons of options when it comes to safely treating your teething baby. For more advice, consult with a pediatric dentist like Robert L. Edmonstone, DDS.