Using Social Media to Better Understand Parents’ Experiences Managing Teething Pain

Abstract

Teething in infants is a natural process that is associated with a variety of signs and symptoms. Many teething pain management strategies exist, yet there is a lack of research investigating which strategies are used by parents and whether they are evidence based. Using an established social media initiative, this study sought to better understand parents’ experiences managing teething pain and to determine which strategies are evidence based. Methods: Parents’ experiences with managing teething pain were gathered through a Facebook post in partnership with researchers and a Canadian digital publisher, YummyMummyClub.ca. This Facebook post, part of a larger social media initiative called #ItDoesntHaveToHurt, asked the following question: “What do you do when you think your baby has teething pain?” Comments underwent descriptive thematic analysis to identify common management approaches. An evidence review of literature was undertaken to determine if the most frequently used pain management strategies reported by parents are supported by research. Results: The post received 163 comments. Analysis identified that the most frequently mentioned strategies were frozen/chilled objects, over-the-counter oral analgesics, frozen fruits/vegetables, oral anesthetic gels, and teething necklaces. The evidence review findings suggest a lack of research in the area of teething pain management. Professional dental associations recommend rubbing the gums with a clean finger or using chilled teething toys and over-the-counter analgesics as effective management strategies. Evidence indicates that oral anesthetic gels and teething necklaces are unsafe. Conclusion: Parents use a variety of teething pain management strategies for their infants, many of which are unsafe and not supported by evidence. What information is used by parents and how they select teething pain management strategies is an area that requires further research.