Alternatives to Teething Rings

Washcloth

• The reason teething rings work for pain is because they are pliable and can be chilled to numb discomfort. A wet washcloth is an easy alternative with the same benefits. Wet a small infant washcloth with cold water, wring it out and allow your little one to gnaw on it when teething pain rears its ugly head. Avoid freezing the washcloth because exposure to frozen surfaces can damage his gums, warns the Mayo Clinic website. Place the washcloth in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes if you want to make it colder than the water in your faucet.

Massage

• Massaging your infant's gums when he's teething can offer relief. The pressure you apply to his gums helps alleviate pain and discomfort. Wash your hands well, and then use a finger to gently rub back and forth on the area of his gums where the tooth is coming through. Look for infant toothpaste at your local drugstore, which often comes with a fingertip brush that works well for relieving teething pain in addition to cleaning your little one's gums and incoming teeth. A bit of wet gauze is another option to use as a massage tool.

Hard Foods

• Hard foods work similarly to massaging your baby's gums. As she gnaws on the food, it applies pressure to her gums and keeps teething pain at bay. Offer chilled cucumbers or carrots, suggest experts with the Mayo Clinic. Teething biscuits, frozen fruit pops or hard crackers also work well. Watch your baby closely if you choose this alternative to teething rings to be sure she doesn't chew off a piece of the food, which poses a choking risk. Never leave your baby unattended while she eats.

Medications

• Sometimes a little bit of medication goes a long way toward alleviating gum pain during teething. This is an ideal option for nighttime because medications can help your little one sleep without having to drag out all your teething remedies. An appropriate dose of over-the-counter pain medication is an effective choice. It can reduce swelling of the gums as well as help treat the discomfort. Teething gels work by numbing the gums where a tooth is coming through and are another option for treating teething pain. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, as they can also numb your baby's lips and tongue and applying too much means your little one swallows some residual gel, according to the Ask Dr. Sears website.