How to manage teething discomfort in a 5-month-old infant?

From the Guidelines

To manage teething discomfort in a 5-month-old infant, provide safe teething toys that can be chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen), gently massage the baby's gums with a clean finger, and use a clean, damp washcloth for the baby to chew on. For medication, you can give infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) at a dose of 160mg/5mL, typically 1.25mL for a 5-month-old weighing around 15 pounds, every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours, as suggested by general pediatric guidelines, although not directly mentioned in the provided studies 1. Always check with your pediatrician before giving any medication. Avoid teething gels with benzocaine, homeopathic teething tablets, and amber teething necklaces due to safety concerns. Keep track of your baby's temperature, as teething may cause a slight increase but not a true fever above 100.4°F. Maintain good oral hygiene by wiping gums with a soft cloth after feedings. Teething discomfort occurs because the emerging tooth pushes through the gum tissue, causing inflammation and tenderness. Most babies experience some discomfort, but symptoms typically improve within a few days after the tooth erupts. Some studies suggest the use of nonpharmacologic pain-prevention techniques such as breastfeeding, nonnutritive sucking, and skin-to-skin contact for pain relief in neonates 1, which may also be beneficial for teething infants. However, the most recent and highest quality study directly related to teething management in infants is not provided in the given evidence. Therefore, the recommendation is based on general pediatric guidelines and the principles of pain management in neonates 1.

Some key points to consider:

• Use of safe teething toys and gentle gum massage
• Administration of infant acetaminophen under pediatrician guidance
• Avoidance of certain teething products due to safety concerns
• Maintenance of good oral hygiene and monitoring of the baby's temperature
• Potential benefits of nonpharmacologic pain-prevention techniques for teething discomfort.

It's essential to consult with a pediatrician for personalized advice on managing teething discomfort in a 5-month-old infant.

From the Research

Managing Teething Discomfort in a 5-Month-Old Infant

To manage teething discomfort in a 5-month-old infant, several strategies can be employed:

• Provide teething aids such as cold teething rings to alleviate symptoms 2
• Use over-the-counter treatments like analgesic and anaesthetic gels, which may also possess antiseptic properties 2
• Apply gels containing choline salicylate directly to the gums to relieve pain and inflammation 2
• Utilize hyaluronic acid gels, which have been shown to be effective in reducing oral mucosal inflammation and are generally devoid of side effects 3
• Try non-pharmacological treatments, which may be more effective against excess salivation 4

Home Remedies and Parental Education

Some studies suggest that:

• Rubbing the gums to ease discomfort can be an effective method 5
• Providing mothers with information on how to address teething symptoms can reduce the use of medications for symptom relief 5
• Popular management strategies include chewing on chilled objects and gingival massage 6

Important Considerations

When managing teething discomfort, it is essential to:

• Be aware of the potential adverse effects of administering medications for infant teething 6
• Consult a primary care provider if uncertain about management or if symptoms are related to illness 6
• Note that the existing literature on teething symptoms and treatments has methodological flaws, and further high-quality investigations are necessary 4