Good Morning, A.!
You'll be happy to know that what your little one is doing, is perfectly normal. Imagine yourself cutting new teeth. It hurts. Your gums would be sensitive to the touch, thus, you wouldn't be able to tolerate much in your mouth. You're doing great with this!! Putting rice in his bottle is a good idea. As long as he is not losing weight, still going poop and wetting his diaper, he's fine. Some things I have tried and found that work are: baby oragel (this is a gel specially made for babies, just rub a little on his gums and it will ease his pain) and pop-sycles!! Yep! Pop-sycles!! Set him in his high chair and hand him one. Not only will this numb his gums, but it tastes good and will keep him hydrated. Just keep in eye on him when he gets down to the stick so he doesn't poke his gums with it. He'll love it and you'll have fun watching all the faces he makes!! And if you get real concerned, call your doctor. That's what he's there for. One more thing, this doesn't last forever, even if it seems like it will...So hang in there and wait for those pearly whites to break through!! He'll eat in good time, when his little gums aren't so sore.
Just Me!
S.