The Iron nearly took the lead when Russell Penn headed Manny Parry's effort off the line.
It was one of the few highlights of the first half, and affairs did not spring to life until the hour mark.
Jack Midson broke the deadlock for Braintree with a firm header from Reece Hall-Johnson's cross.
James Bolton's close-range header was fielded by Sam Beasant as the Tynesiders pushed for an equaliser.
McLaughlin eventually provided it five minutes from time, and Gateshead could even have won it a minute later when Jordan Burrow fired wide when in on goal.
Report supplied by the Press Association.
Match ends, Gateshead 1, Braintree Town 1.
Second Half ends, Gateshead 1, Braintree Town 1.
Substitution, Braintree Town. Lee Barnard replaces Michael Cheek.
Gus Mafuta (Gateshead) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Goal!  Gateshead 1, Braintree Town 1. Patrick McLaughlin (Gateshead) converts the penalty with a.
Substitution, Gateshead. Gus Mafuta replaces Danny Johnson.
Substitution, Gateshead. Luke Hannant replaces Sam Jones.
Substitution, Braintree Town. Ebou Adams replaces Chez Isaac.
Substitution, Gateshead. Wes York replaces Russell Penn.
Goal!  Gateshead 0, Braintree Town 1. Michael Cheek (Braintree Town).
Substitution, Braintree Town. Reece Hall-Johnson replaces Monty Patterson.
Second Half begins Gateshead 0, Braintree Town 0.
First Half ends, Gateshead 0, Braintree Town 0.
Danny Johnson (Gateshead) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
First Half begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Paddy McLaughlin's late penalty salvaged a point for Gateshead as they drew at home with Braintree in the National League.