Teething: Tylenol or Motrin?

JaneAustenAddict

DD is having an awful time with teething.  She's cut her two bottom teeth already and now one of her top teeth is trying to break through.  I've been giving her Infant Tylenol drops every 4 hours as directed but she's a wreck.  The Hyland's tablets take the edge off momentarily but she freaks out at meal time.  She hates having her bottle in her mouth and cries when she sees the spoon coming.

I called the pediatrician to find out about Motrin instead of Tylenol and she said Motrin is only for a fever, not teething.

Why?  Is it the potential for stomach upset or something?  She's over 6 months so I don't understand why Motrin isn't an option.

Doug'sFiance

I like Motrin because it is better for swelling reduction.  There are warnings with both drugs (i.e. liver damage) when they are over-used or improperly dosed.

AngeNAndy4106

Motrin for sure.  It helps with the inflammation as well as the pain and it lasts longer!  Alternate it with Tylenol every 3 hours.  Too much Motrin can be problematic b/c I believe it can cause bleeding in the stomach/intestines.  You'd have to take a lot of it for an extended period of time for that though.  

afwells

Yeah, that's odd...but some doctors are probably extra-cautious.  The pedis I've seen at my practice recommend Motrin for everything...mostly because it lasts longer.  I personally prefer ibuprofen for any of my illnesses or aches & pains, it's always worked better on just about everything from headaches to cramps.

actgrl22

I feel your pain.  DD is cutting 4 upper teeth right now and is a wreck!  I have been giving her motrin and night and daycare will give her tylenol in the day, only because I only gave daycare tylenol to keep on hand. I think motrin is better for this and the nurse last week told us either one is fine, motrin just lasts longer. But in thinking about it for even myself, I take advil or IBprofen over tylenol when I have aches/pains/fever so I think it's fine.  The nurse did warn against the switching off every 2-3 hours though so I'm not sure about that.  I usually just give DD motrin before bed.

hudsaunt1

Motrin all the way!!  Tylenol doesn't seem to work for her at all!!