A mother asks how to relieve teething discomfort in a 9- to 12-month-old. Which instruction is appropriate?

A mother asks how to relieve teething discomfort in a 9- to 12-month-old. Which instruction is appropriate?

• A. Schedule an appointment with a dentist for a dental evaluation
• B. Rub the infant's gums with baby aspirin that has been dissolved in water
• C. Obtain an over-the-counter (OTC) topical medication for gum-pain relief
• D. Give the infant cool liquids or a Popsicle and hard foods such as dry toast

Answer: (D)

When a baby is teething, the safest and most effective approach is safe, nondrug comfort measures that involve cooling and gentle chewing. Cool liquids help soothe inflamed gums and don’t carry medication risks. A Popsicle provides cold therapy as well, which can numb and distract from discomfort, as long as it’s given with close supervision to prevent choking and cut into small, manageable portions. Hard foods like dry toast supply gentle chewing resistance that relieves gum pressure as teeth erupt. This combination gives relief through physical comfort and counterpressure without introducing medications or potentially unsafe products. Avoid rubbing gums with aspirin dissolved in water, as this can be harmful to infants. Over-the-counter topicals for gum pain often contain benzocaine or other anesthetics and are not recommended for young children due to safety concerns.

When a baby is teething, the safest and most effective approach is safe, nondrug comfort measures that involve cooling and gentle chewing. Cool liquids help soothe inflamed gums and don’t carry medication risks. A Popsicle provides cold therapy as well, which can numb and distract from discomfort, as long as it’s given with close supervision to prevent choking and cut into small, manageable portions. Hard foods like dry toast supply gentle chewing resistance that relieves gum pressure as teeth erupt. This combination gives relief through physical comfort and counterpressure without introducing medications or potentially unsafe products.

Avoid rubbing gums with aspirin dissolved in water, as this can be harmful to infants. Over-the-counter topicals for gum pain often contain benzocaine or other anesthetics and are not recommended for young children due to safety concerns.