Varieties of different methods for managing the symptoms of teething are available, and are of variable efficacy and safety. This study surveyed family physicians and pediatricians in the state of South Dakota to find out what they are recommending in their current clinical practices for the relief of symptoms associated with tooth eruption. The most common recommendation given by primary care physicians was acetaminophen or ibuprofen (80 percent). The next most common recommendation was the use of teething rings, both rubber (59 percent) and cold or frozen rings (67 percent). Nearly 20 percent recommended modalities that professional organizations and governmental agencies advise against using due to the potential for significant harm.
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