What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner recommend to the parent of an infant who is teething who asks about comfort measures?

• A. Administer oral ibuprofen or apply topical salicylates.
• B. Apply a topical anesthetic such a benzocaine to the gums.
• C. Give the infant a cold teething ring or wet washcloth to chew.
• D. Try Baby Orajel on the infant's gums several times daily.

Answer: (C)

When a parent asks about comfort with teething, the safest and most effective approach is simple, nonpharmacologic soothing. A cold teething ring or a wet washcloth that the infant can chew provides gentle pressure and cooling, which helps numb the sore gums and reduces discomfort without introducing medicines. This method is age-appropriate, easy to supervise, and avoids potential risks linked to some teething medications.

Avoid using topical anesthetics like benzocaine on the gums, which can cause serious adverse effects in young infants, and avoid teething gels or pastes marketed for teething that contain benzocaine. Likewise, routine use of oral ibuprofen or topical salicylates isn’t recommended for teething relief. If there is notable pain or fever, discuss appropriate dosing of acetaminophen with a clinician, but the first-line comfort measure remains offering a chilled object to chew.