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.

The 80-year-old retired Atomic Weapons Establishment scientist, of The Green in Tadley, has been described by his neighbours as a "wonderful man".
Local residents told the BBC he kept himself very physically fit having undergone heart surgery.
Tadley Town Council Chairman David Leeks said the reaction in the town was one of "pure shock".
He said: "We had a meeting last night and it was mentioned.
"We found it very difficult to believe that someone from Tadley had suffered this way.
"You don't expect something like this to happen in your community.
"Our thoughts go out to his family".
Neighbours said Mr Thompson was a keen walker who was known to do up to 60 press ups a day and loved holidays.
The BBC understands his long-term partner is currently staying with family.
Tadley Town Council will hold a minute's silence outside its offices on Friday.
The family of Mr Thompson issued a statement via Hampshire Constabulary, which stated: "We understand the interest the media has at this time, but we do not wish to be approached by nor speak to any members of the media.
"We ask that you respect our privacy and our wishes at this extremely difficult time."
The police force told the BBC the family have confirmed the death to the Foreign Office, and have been given a family liaison officer.
Twenty-one Britons have been identified as victims, with nine more believed to among the dead, Downing Street said.
Paddy McLaughlin's late penalty salvaged a point for Gateshead as they drew at home with Braintree in the National League.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
One of the Tunisia beach attack victims has been named locally as David Thompson from Hampshire.