Teething Toddlers - 3 Foods to Soothe Sore Gums

Posted on 4/15/2025 by NC Pediatric Dentisty

Little girl smiling at dentist at NC Pediatric Dentistry in Mooresville, NC

Ah, the joys of teething! It's a natural process, but that doesn't mean it's easy on our little ones (or their parents!). As those tiny teeth push through the gums, they can cause a whole lot of discomfort and crankiness.

As an expert pediatric dentist, I know firsthand how tough teething can be. That's why I want to share some helpful tips on how to soothe sore gums and make this phase a little smoother for everyone.

One of the best ways to comfort a teething toddler is through food. Certain foods can provide relief by offering a cool, soothing sensation on the gums, while others can act as a gentle massager for those erupting teeth.

Here are 3 food options to help soothe your teething toddler:

1. Chilled fruits and vegetables: Offering chilled fruits and vegetables is a great way to provide some relief to your teething toddler. The coldness helps numb the gums, while the act of chewing can massage them, easing discomfort. Some excellent options include:

•	Sliced bananas: Bananas are naturally sweet and soft, making them easy for your toddler to chew and digest.
•	Chilled cucumber: Cucumbers are high in water content, offering a refreshing coolness to sore gums.
•	Frozen grapes: Grapes, once frozen, become a delightful treat that combines the coldness of ice with the sweetness of the fruit.
•	Chilled berries: Berries, like raspberries and blueberries, are soft and juicy, providing a gentle massage to the gums.
•	Baby carrots: Baby carrots offer a bit more firmness for those toddlers who enjoy chewing on something sturdier.

Remember to always cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces to prevent choking, and supervise your child during their snack.

2. Yogurt and other chilled dairy products: The cool temperature and smooth texture of yogurt make it another fantastic food for soothing sore gums. You can also try other chilled dairy products like:

•	Chilled cottage cheese: Cottage cheese offers a similar smooth texture to yogurt with an added protein boost.
•	Frozen kefir: Kefir, a fermented milk drink, provides probiotics and is naturally tangy.

Remember to choose plain or unsweetened dairy products to avoid adding unnecessary sugar to your toddler's diet.

3. Teething biscuits or rusks: Teething biscuits and rusks are specially designed to offer relief during teething. The firmness of these products allows for gentle gum massage while the act of chewing releases saliva, which naturally numbs the gums. When selecting these options, be sure to look for products that are sugar-free and age-appropriate.

Remember that even with soothing foods, some toddlers might still experience significant discomfort during teething. If the symptoms are severe or you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact your child's doctor or pediatric dentist.

With a little patience and some delicious (and healthy) snacks, you can help your teething toddler get through this stage with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.

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Teething Toddlers - 3 Foods to Soothe Sore Gums

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