When young babies start teething, it is not uncommon for a placid, sunny infant to become irritable and 'out of sorts'. The child's cheeks may appear red and they may dribble or drool more than usual.

They may also temporarily lose their appetite. In teenagers and young adults, mouth pain and discomfort can be associated with wisdom teeth erupting.

Again, suitable oral analgesics can be effective, but remember that aspirin is not suitable for children under the age of 16. OTC gels can also be recommended to help relieve the discomfort of teething. These products usually contain a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine to help numb the area and relieve pain (e.g. Anbesol Teething Gel, Bonjela Teething Gel, Calgel Teething Gel or Dentinox Teething Gel).

Occasionally, discomfort associated with illnesses such as an ear or sinus infection may be felt as dental pain. In these cases, the pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache or fever.