From the Guidelines
To manage teething-induced cough in infants, focus on soothing the gums and providing comfort rather than treating the cough directly, as the cough is typically caused by excess saliva dripping down the throat during teething. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, the management of chronic cough in children should be based on the etiology of the cough and cough characteristics. However, for teething-induced cough, which is typically a self-limiting condition, the approach should prioritize comfort and symptom relief.
Key Recommendations:
- Offer a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a cold, damp washcloth for the baby to chew on, which helps reduce gum inflammation and pain.
- Gently massage the baby's gums with a clean finger.
- For pain relief, consider acetaminophen (Tylenol) at a dose of 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours as needed, or ibuprofen (for infants over 6 months) at 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, always calculating dosage based on the baby's weight and consulting the product instructions.
- Keep the baby's sleeping area slightly elevated to reduce nighttime coughing from saliva pooling.
- Ensure good hydration with regular feeding.
- Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine due to rare but serious side effects.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
If the cough persists beyond the teething period, worsens significantly, is accompanied by fever above 100.4°F (38°C), or if the baby shows signs of respiratory distress, seek medical attention as these may indicate an infection or other condition requiring different treatment, as suggested by 1 and 1.
Importance of Clinical History and Examination:
As highlighted in 1, the approach to managing chronic cough, including teething-induced cough, should consider the clinical history and examination findings. However, for teething-induced cough, a systematic approach to determine the cause of the cough, as recommended for chronic cough in general 1, may not be necessary unless the cough persists or worsens.
Prioritizing Morbidity, Mortality, and Quality of Life:
The management strategy prioritizes the infant's comfort and reduces the risk of complications, thereby improving quality of life. By focusing on symptom relief and monitoring for signs of infection or other conditions, this approach minimizes potential morbidity and mortality associated with untreated or mismanaged teething-induced cough.
From the Research
Management of Teething Induced Cough in Infants
- Teething in infants can be accompanied by various symptoms, including cough, although it is not a primary symptom directly associated with teething 2.
- A study found that cough was not significantly associated with tooth emergence, suggesting that teething may not be a primary cause of cough in infants 2.
- For managing acute cough in children, including those induced by teething, evidence-based guidelines recommend a "wait, watch, review" approach, focusing on educating parents about the expected duration of the illness and the risks of using over-the-counter medications 3.
- The use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications is not recommended for young children due to the lack of symptomatic relief and the risk of potential side effects and adverse reactions 3.
- Instead, safe, supportive care measures can be discussed with parents to alleviate the child's discomfort, although specific measures for teething-induced cough are not detailed in the available evidence.
- Teething symptoms can be alleviated with home remedies such as cold teething rings, and over-the-counter treatments like analgesic and anaesthetic gels can provide pain relief 4.
- However, the efficacy of these treatments for cough specifically associated with teething is not well-documented, and further research is needed to determine the best management strategies for teething-induced cough in infants 5.