Treatment

Reassurance of the patient is important since symptoms of teething are generally mild and self limiting (1)

The main aim of treatment is to relieve teething pain.

Management options include:

• chilled teething rings
• hard sugar free chewing breadsticks and oven-hardened bread
• frozen fruits and vegetables
• chewing the teat of a pacifier
• applying mild pressure with a clean finger, cool spoon or wet gauze
• paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used to relieve symptoms (1)

Oral salicylate gel is not recommended for children younger than 16 years of age due to the risk of Reye's syndrome (2).

Presence of severe systemic symptoms is unrelated to teething and should advise parents to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment (1).

Reference:

• 1. McIntyre GT, McIntyre GM. Teething troubles?. British Dental Journal 2002;192:251 - 255
• 2. MHRA. Oral salicylate gels: not for use in those younger than age 16 years. Drug Safety Update 2 2009;(11):4-5