Management of Teething Pain in Infants

Nonpharmacologic Management (First-Line)

• Breastfeeding during teething episodes has been shown to decrease pain responses in infants and provides comfort through both nutritional and non-nutritional sucking 1
• Nonnutritive sucking on a pacifier can have analgesic effects and contributes to calming the infant during teething discomfort 2
• Skin-to-skin contact between infant and mother during teething episodes can decrease pain behaviors 2

Pharmacologic Management (Second-Line)

• Acetaminophen can be used for short-term pain management when teething pain is significant enough to interfere with feeding, sleeping, or normal activity, with appropriate weight-based dosing and careful followage of package instructions 3, 4, 2
• Acetaminophen use should be avoided for prolonged periods without medical supervision 5

Developmental Considerations

• Teething typically begins around 6 months of age, with the lower central incisors usually erupting first 5

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Monitoring for signs of relief after implementing management strategies is recommended 3
• Dental complications such as gingival swelling or discoloration may require dental evaluation 6