You may find that your baby gets relief if you rub the affected gum with your clean finger or allow him or her to chew on a teething ring. Avoid rusks containing sugar because they cause tooth decay, and it is not a good idea to encourage babies or children to develop a 'sweet tooth'. Raw carrots should also be avoided because babies can choke on them.

Bonjela Oral Pain-Relieving Gel (suitable from the age of four months) may be rubbed on your babies sore gum to calm the inflammation and relieve the pain. It also has the advantage of being sugar-free.