What Can I Give My Baby for Teething? Age-by-Age Guide from a Dentist

By Dr Jack Brazel BChD · Reviewed by Dr John Krezel, Specialist Prosthodontist

One of the most common questions parents ask during teething is simply: what can I actually give my baby right now? The answer depends partly on your baby's age, because what is appropriate at 3 months is different from what works at 12 months.

I am Jack, one of the practising UK dentists behind MamaSmiles. Here is a straightforward, age-by-age guide to teething support, based on what we see in clinic and what the dental evidence supports.

What can I give a 3-month-old for teething?

At 3 months, your baby's gums may start to feel different. Increased drooling, chewing on hands, and mild fussiness are common even before any teeth are visible. This is the gum-preparation phase, and it is completely normal.

At this age, appropriate support includes:

Clean, cool teething rings. Choose solid silicone rings without liquid centres (which can leak). Cool them in the fridge, not the freezer. Frozen items are too hard for very young gums.

Gum wiping. A clean, damp muslin cloth wiped gently along the gum line removes milk residue and begins building familiarity with mouth care. This is the first step in an oral care routine that will pay off later.

Extra comfort and closeness. At 3 months, your presence and touch are the most effective forms of reassurance. Holding your baby close, letting them chew on your clean finger, and maintaining consistent routines all help.

Teething gels can be introduced at this stage if the product is suitable. MamaSmiles Teething Gel is designed for use from 6 months (as stated on current packaging), though the formulation has been reviewed by a toxicologist for suitability from 3 months. Always follow the guidance on the product you are using.

What can I give a 4 to 5-month-old for teething?

Between 4 and 5 months, teething signs often become more noticeable. Your baby may chew more intensely, drool more heavily, and have short periods of increased fussiness. Some babies get their first tooth during this window, though most will not see one until closer to 6 months.

Everything suitable at 3 months continues to apply, plus:

Chilled washcloths. Dampen a clean cloth, chill it in the fridge, and let your baby chew on it. The combination of texture and cool temperature provides gentle comfort.

Gentle gum massage. Using a clean finger, apply light circular pressure on the gums where you can feel or see swelling. Many babies respond well to this because pressure counteracts the sensation of a tooth pushing upward.

Drool management. Excessive drooling can cause skin irritation around the chin and neck. Keep the area dry with a bib and apply a thin layer of barrier cream to protect the skin. This is not a teething remedy, but it prevents a secondary source of discomfort.

What can I give a 6-month-old for teething?

Six months is when most babies get their first visible tooth, usually a lower central incisor. It is also when weaning typically begins, which changes the oral environment.

At 6 months, you can use all the above approaches plus:

Teething gel with a gum massage. This is the stage where a daily teething gel routine becomes most practical. Apply a small amount to a clean finger and gently massage the gums where teething is occurring. This combines the physical comfort of pressure with the benefit of ingredients like hydroxyapatite reaching the emerging tooth surface.

Cool, firm foods (if weaning has started). Chilled cucumber sticks or cold banana slices can provide comfort during supervised feeding. Always supervise closely to manage choking risk. Foods should be large enough that your baby cannot break off a piece.

Start brushing. As soon as you see a tooth, start brushing with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of baby toothpaste. This is a critical habit to build early. See our guide to brushing your baby's first teeth.

What can I give an 8 to 10-month-old for teething?

By 8 to 10 months, your baby may have several teeth and could be working on lateral incisors or even early molars. They are also more mobile and better at self-comforting.

At this age, teething support can include:

Textured teething toys. Your baby's motor skills are more developed, and they can hold and manipulate toys with different textures. Ridged or bobbled teething rings give them control over where and how they apply pressure.

Continued gel and brushing routine. Twice-daily brushing should now be established. A teething gel applied before bed as part of the routine can support both comfort and enamel protection.

Distraction and play. Older babies respond well to distraction during teething episodes. Singing, playing, bath time, and outdoor time can all redirect attention during short waves of fussiness.

What can I give a 12-month-old and beyond for teething?

By 12 months, teething continues but your baby is more resilient and has more self-comforting strategies. Canines and molars are yet to come, and molars in particular can cause more noticeable discomfort due to their larger size.

Continue the oral care routine. Brushing, teething gel, and regular dental check-ups are the foundation. By this stage, your baby should have had their first dental visit.

Firm, safe chewing options. Teething biscuits (sugar-free), silicone teethers, and cool foods all provide comfort. Always supervise to manage choking risk.

Consistency matters most. By 12 months, the habits you have established are more important than any single product. A baby who is used to mouth care, comfortable with teething as a normal process, and familiar with their dentist is well set up for the remaining teeth to come.

What should I avoid at any age?

Regardless of your baby's age, certain approaches are best avoided:

Numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine. The FDA has warned against benzocaine for under-2s, and numbing carries practical risks including reduced sensation and swallowing reflex impairment.

Amber teething necklaces. There is no scientific evidence they work, and they pose choking and strangulation risks. The NHS advises against them.

Alcohol on the gums. An outdated practice that is genuinely harmful to infants.

Sugar-based products. Sugar on emerging teeth accelerates the conditions for early decay.

Frozen items. Frozen teething rings or foods can damage delicate gum tissue. Cool from the fridge is sufficient.

For a full breakdown of remedy types and the evidence behind each, see our guide to how to choose a teething remedy.