Can Telemedicine Treat Teething? Guidance for Parents

Audience: pediatric

Teething is a common process where a baby's first teeth break through the gums, often causing discomfort. While telemedicine cannot treat teething directly, it can provide helpful guidance and support to parents and caregivers. Through virtual visits, healthcare providers can assess symptoms, offer advice on soothing techniques, and help distinguish normal teething signs from other health concerns. Telemedicine is especially useful for answering questions about safe pain relief methods and when to seek further care. However, if a child shows signs of severe illness or complications, an in-person evaluation is necessary. This guide explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for teething, how to prepare for a tele-visit, and what to expect afterward. It also highlights important warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) lasting more than 24 hours — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Refusal to eat or drink causing signs of dehydration (dry mouth, few wet diapers) — contact healthcare immediately.
• Severe irritability, inconsolable crying, difficulty breathing, or unusual drowsiness — seek emergency care without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about teething symptoms and normal development.
• Advising on safe soothing methods and over-the-counter pain relief.
• Assessing general health and advising when in-person care is needed.
• Answering caregiver questions and reducing anxiety.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or procedures.
• Diagnosing serious illnesses that mimic teething symptoms without physical assessment.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe symptoms or complications.
• Prescribing controlled substances or specialized medications without in-person evaluation.

What Is Teething?

Teething is the process when a baby's first teeth, called "baby teeth" or "milk teeth," start to come through the gums. This usually begins around 6 months of age but can vary. Common signs include drooling, gum swelling, fussiness, and a desire to chew on objects. These symptoms are normal and usually mild.

How Telemedicine Can Help with Teething

Telemedicine allows parents to connect with healthcare providers from home. During a virtual visit, providers can:

This support can reduce worry and help you care for your child safely.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do for Teething

Telemedicine cannot:

If your child has symptoms beyond typical teething signs, an in-person visit may be necessary.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Contact a healthcare provider or emergency services if your child has:

These signs may indicate illnesses that need urgent evaluation.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

This preparation helps make the visit effective.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After the visit, follow the provider's advice carefully. This may include:

If your child's condition worsens or new symptoms appear, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for the tele-visit.
• Have your child's age, medical history, and vaccination status available.
• Write down your child's symptoms, including onset and any changes.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about teething or your child's health.
• Keep any medications, teething toys, or remedies you are using nearby to discuss.
• Ensure your device's camera and microphone are working properly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on soothing techniques and medication use.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and behavior closely after the visit.
• Keep a record of any new or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Maintain good hydration and nutrition for your child.

FAQs

Is fever a normal part of teething?

Mild temperature increases can sometimes occur with teething, but a high fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) is not typical and may indicate an infection. If your child has a high or persistent fever, seek medical advice.

What are safe ways to soothe my baby's teething pain?

Common methods include gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger, offering a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, and using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by a healthcare provider.

When should I call a doctor about my baby's teething?

Contact a healthcare provider if your baby has a high fever, refuses to eat or drink, shows signs of dehydration, has severe irritability, or if you notice swelling, redness, or pus around the gums.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for teething concerns?

Telemedicine is helpful for guidance and initial assessment, but it cannot replace physical exams when your child has serious symptoms or complications. In-person care may be necessary in those cases.

Are there any medications I should avoid giving my baby for teething?

Avoid using topical numbing gels or creams containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as these can be harmful to infants. Always consult a healthcare provider before giving any medication.

Sources

1. Teething — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Teething and Your Baby — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Teething: Symptoms and Care — Mayo Clinic.
4. When to Seek Medical Care for Your Child — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.