Teething

At home

Teeth usually come in between 6 and 12 months. The baby may drool, chew on everything and be fussy. Teething does not cause high fever or diarrhea: if those happen, look for another cause.

What to do

1. Rub the gums with your clean finger.
2. Give a firm rubber teething ring, chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen).
3. Wipe drool often to prevent a rash.
4. If the baby is very uncomfortable: acetaminophen, or ibuprofen if 6 months or older, using the dose on the package for your baby's weight, or ask the pharmacist.
5. When the first tooth comes in, brush it with fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.

What not to do

• Don't use gels or creams with benzocaine (like Orajel) or lidocaine under age 2: the FDA warns they can cause serious blood problems or seizures.
• Don't use amber or teething necklaces or bracelets: risk of strangulation and choking.
• Don't use homeopathic teething tablets or gels.
• Don't give hard frozen teethers or biscuits that break into large pieces.
• Don't rub alcohol or liquor on the gums.