You may have heard that eating cookies or frozen foods while teething can help your child cope with teething, but your dentist prefers that you stick to rings or toys rather than food.

Gel-based rings, which can be chilled in the refrigerator, are especially soothing because they cool into the gums. Food-based teething can leave some residue that can lead to cavities. Any time you eat or drink anything other than water, you create acid that absorbs minerals from your teeth. These minerals are replenished when you don’t eat or drink for three hours, but they won’t be replenished if an infant keeps chewing on a teething cookie or slurping on a whole bottle of something other than water. Also, never give teething baby food, such as frozen carrots or apple slices, which can lead to choking.
If your baby is crying or uncomfortable when he is hungry, try not to automatically pick him up. Instead, start by comforting him in other ways, such as rubbing his back or singing soothing songs. Aim for a total of 30 minutes a day, but if your baby is really resistant, you can break up these times throughout the day. He doesn’t have to be in pain.