How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Teething (Guidance)

Audience: adult

Teething is a natural process where a child's first teeth begin to emerge through the gums. This can cause discomfort, fussiness, and other symptoms in infants and toddlers. Preparing for a video visit about teething can help you get the most from your time with a healthcare provider. During the visit, you can discuss your child's symptoms, learn about safe ways to ease discomfort, and understand when to seek further care. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice without needing to visit a clinic in person. However, it is important to recognize signs that require urgent attention. This guide will help you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot address regarding teething, and know the next steps after your appointment. Remember, this information is for education only and not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) in a baby under 3 months — seek immediate medical care.
• Severe swelling, redness, or pus around the gums indicating possible infection — get urgent evaluation.
• Difficulty breathing, feeding, or excessive vomiting — go to emergency services promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing typical teething symptoms and behaviors
• Providing advice on safe comfort measures
• Answering general questions about teething
• Reviewing visible signs via video

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing infections or other serious conditions
• Treating severe pain or complications
• Performing physical exams or procedures
• Managing emergencies such as breathing difficulties

What Is Teething and Common Symptoms

Teething is when a baby's first teeth, called primary teeth, start to come through the gums. This usually begins around 6 months of age but can vary. Common signs of teething include:

These symptoms often last a few days for each tooth. While teething can be uncomfortable, it is a normal part of development.

How Telemedicine Can Help With Teething Concerns

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider about your child's teething symptoms from home. During the visit, you can:

Telemedicine is convenient and can provide quick guidance, especially if you have questions or mild concerns.

When Telemedicine May Not Be Enough

Some situations require an in-person exam or urgent care. Telemedicine cannot fully evaluate or treat:

If these occur, seek prompt medical attention at a clinic or emergency room.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready for your telemedicine appointment:

Being prepared helps the visit go smoothly and ensures you get the help you need.

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Following your video visit:

Remember, ongoing communication with your provider supports your child's health.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit location with good internet connection for the video visit.
• Test your device's camera and microphone before the appointment.
• Have your child's age and any relevant health history available.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and questions to discuss with the provider.
• Have a teething toy or object nearby to show during the visit if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for comfort and care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Use only approved remedies as advised during the visit.
• Schedule an in-person appointment if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Contact healthcare services immediately if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

What are common signs that my baby is teething?

Common signs include increased drooling, chewing on objects, irritability, swollen gums, and changes in eating or sleeping patterns. These symptoms usually last a few days per tooth.

Can teething cause a fever?

Teething may cause a slight increase in temperature but typically does not cause a high fever. If your baby has a fever above 38°C (100.4°F), especially if under 3 months old, seek medical advice promptly.

What can I do to help relieve my baby's teething discomfort?

Safe options include giving your baby a clean teething ring to chew on, gently massaging their gums with a clean finger, and keeping them comfortable. Avoid using medications or remedies without consulting a healthcare provider.

When should I seek in-person medical care for teething issues?

Seek in-person care if your baby has a high fever, severe gum swelling or redness, difficulty breathing or feeding, persistent vomiting, or any unusual symptoms beyond typical teething signs.

Is it safe to use teething gels or medications?

Some teething gels or medications may not be safe for infants. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any products to relieve teething pain.

Sources

1. Teething — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Teething in Children — Mayo Clinic.
3. Infant and Toddler Teething — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Teething: Symptoms and Remedies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or in-person care. If you have concerns about your child's health, please consult a healthcare provider directly or seek emergency care when necessary.