How to Avoid Over-The-Counter Medication During Teething

7 November 2025

Teething… oh, the joys of parenting! One moment your baby is all smiles and giggles, the next minute they’re red-faced, drooling rivers, and gnawing on anything they can get their little hands on. As much as we love seeing those adorable baby teeth break through, the process can be rough—not just for your little munchkin, but for you too.

It’s no wonder so many parents turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medications at the first sign of teething pain. But is that really the only way? What if you could skip the meds and still soothe your baby's discomfort naturally?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll dive into why avoiding OTC medications during teething is often the better choice, and most importantly—how you can do it. No fancy jargon, no judgement, just real talk from one parent to another.

Why You Might Want to Skip OTC Medications During Teething

Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. It’s tempting to reach for that quick fix bottle of infant pain reliever or teething gel, especially when you've been up all night with a fussy baby. But here's the thing: OTC meds can come with risks.

Potential Side Effects

Many teething gels and tablets—especially the ones with benzocaine—have been flagged by the FDA for causing serious side effects, like methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces oxygen in the bloodstream. Scary, right? Even common meds like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, if used too often or incorrectly, can lead to liver or kidney damage.

Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Worries

Sure, those meds can provide quick relief, but they don’t address the root cause. They just mask the symptoms. Plus, when used frequently, babies can build a tolerance—or worse, we as parents may start leaning on them more than necessary.

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Just like adults, babies benefit from learning how to manage discomfort. Teaching your child to self-soothe can be a powerful skill that extends beyond teething years.

So, if you're not reaching for that medicine cabinet—what should you do instead?

Natural Teething Relief: Smart, Safe, and Soothing

Let’s walk through some proven, gentle, and natural alternatives to over-the-counter medication. These remedies aim to comfort your baby without compromising their health—or your peace of mind.

1. The Magic of Cold

Cold is amazing for numbing pain—and babies love it!

Try These:

- Cold Washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, twist it up, and pop it in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes. Let baby chew away!
- Chilled Teething Rings: Pick BPA-free ones, refrigerate (not freeze!) them. Frozen teethers can be too hard and could damage baby gums.
- Cold Fruit in a Feeder: Use a mesh or silicone feeder and add cold fruits like cucumber or apple slices. It's like a baby popsicle!

Cold soothes inflamed gums and offers a fun distraction. Think of it as a mini ice pack your baby can chew on.

2. Gentle Gum Massage

Your fingers can work wonders! Wash your hands well, then gently rub or massage your baby’s gums using light pressure. It might not look like much, but for some babies, this is the holy grail of relief.

Some parents use a clean, chilled finger for added effect. Bonus: it creates bonding time and calms your baby through touch.

3. Teething Toys That Actually Work

Not all teething toys are created equal. Look for:
- Made from food-grade silicone or natural rubber
- Easy for tiny hands to grab
- Textured surfaces to give that “aaaah” feeling

Rotate a few different ones to mix things up. Sometimes, variety is just what your baby needs to stay engaged—and forget about the pain.

4. Herbal Teas (Used Carefully)

Herbs can be nature's medicine—when used safely. Chamomile, for example, is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Use:

- Steep a chamomile tea bag in very hot water, let it cool completely.
- Soak a clean cloth or dip a pacifier in the cool tea.
- Let baby suck or chew on it (under supervision!).

Never give your baby herbal remedies without checking with your pediatrician. Safety first!

5. Distraction Is a Powerful Tool

Sometimes, what a teething baby needs is just a change of scenery. Go for a walk, sing a silly song, splash in the bathtub—anything to take their mind off the discomfort.

Babies are like tiny attention magnets. If their minds are focused elsewhere, the teething agitation often takes a backseat.

6. Extra Cuddles and Comfort

This might feel like a no-brainer, but don’t underestimate the power of simply being there. Your touch, your voice, your presence—it’s their safe place.

Skin-to-skin contact, hugs, rocking, gentle lullabies—it all adds up. A calm baby is less likely to feel overwhelmed by teething pain.

Building a Teething Toolkit

Every baby is unique. What works for one might not work for another. So, it’s a good idea to have a few options ready to go.

Your Go-To Teething Toolkit Might Include:

- 2-3 BPA-free teething toys (in rotation)
- Frozen washcloths in a ziplock for quick use
- A sippy cup with ice-cold water (for older infants)
- Mesh feeders with frozen fruits
- Chamomile tea (after pediatrician’s green light)
- A comfy baby carrier for on-the-go soothing

Having tools on hand can help you stay calm when your baby isn’t.

Knowing When to Call the Doctor

It’s important to remember that not every fuss, fever, or drool-fest is caused by teething. If your baby has a high fever (over 101°F), diarrhea, ear pulling, or a rash, it might be something else—and you should call your pediatrician.

Don’t self-diagnose every symptom as teething. Trust your gut.

What About Those Sleepless Nights?

Ah, the 2 a.m. wake-up calls. Teething often peaks around bedtime, and it can make nights feel endless.

Here’s What Can Help:

- Keep a bedtime routine. Familiarity is soothing.
- Offer a teether before sleep.
- Use a sound machine or soft music.
- Co-sleep safely (if it aligns with your parenting style) to offer closeness.

And take care of YOU. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Tag in a partner, nap when the baby naps, or ask for help.

Let’s Talk About the Pressure to Medicate

You might get side-eyes from friends or family when they hear you’re not using OTC meds. “You’re letting them suffer?” they might ask.

But choosing to handle teething naturally doesn’t mean you’re against medicine. It just means you’re being thoughtful about when it’s truly necessary.

There’s nothing wrong with using OTC meds sparingly. The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be informed and intentional.

It's a Short Phase… Really!

When you’re in it, teething feels eternal. But it’s just a chapter—usually starting around 6 months and ending by 3 years. That sounds like a long time, but most babies only struggle a few days per tooth.

And here’s the good news: by the time their back molars come in, your little one is more resilient, more verbal, and better equipped to express themselves.

Conclusion: You’ve Got This, Parent Warrior

Teething isn’t easy—on anyone. But skipping the over-the-counter meds doesn’t mean letting your baby suffer. With a calm mindset, a few natural tools, and a whole lot of patience, you can help your baby sail through this milestone with fewer tears (maybe even fewer sleepless nights).

Remember, this phase won’t last forever. One day, you’ll look back and laugh at the drool-soaked onesies and the 3 a.m. gum massages. For now, breathe, cuddle, and keep loving your little teething tornado through it all