Homeopathy for teething troubles

The process of cutting new teeth is a major milestone in an infant's life. However, it can sometimes be very stressful for both the baby and the parents. Some babies have little or no discomfort during the teething period, while others have severe pain, swollen gums, excessive salivation, and fussiness. Fever may be present during teething but it is usually mild and does not require any kind of medication. Most babies also experience an upset stomach along with teething, because they put everything into their mouth and chew on it to soothe their inflamed gums. Parents need not be alarmed about minor stomach ailments that accompany teething but need to keep a watch for both respiratory (colds) and stomach infections as teething babies chew on anything they can find. 

Oh yes, teething can be the most stressful time of the infant years! The baby is fussy and miserable and the parents are sleep-deprived and exhausted trying to calm their child. It isn't always easy to find out whether the baby is disturbed by teething, but if you put a clean finger into the baby's mouth and feel the gums, you might find a slight stump of a tooth sprouting from the hardened gums. 

The first teeth usually erupt between 6-10 months, and as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months. Some babies are born with two lower front teeth. The pattern of emerging new teeth is different for each child and has a wide range. 

The typical pattern of appearance of new teeth:

Lower central incisors - 6-10 months
Upper central incisors - 8-12 months
Upper lateral incisors - 9-13 months
Lower lateral incisors - 10-16 months
First molars - 13-19 months
Canines - 16-23 months
Second molars - 23-33 months 

Home remedies for teething

1. Parents can give cold teethers to the baby to soothe the inflamed gums. The soft but firm texture of the teether appeals to the baby during teething.

2. Rub a clean finger around the babies gums or massage the gums lightly. The pressure will surely soothe the irritated gums.

3. Offer an ice cube tied in a clean handkerchief and let baby suck on it. The ice will numb the gums and relieve pain temporarily.

4. Offer a frozen carrot so baby can chew on it. The hard texture and coldness will soothe the gums. Be careful with offering food though, always watch your baby to prevent choking, or use a mesh bag like this one on Amazon. It is usually safe to give frozen carrots because baby's gums are still not strong enough to bite through it; however, if your child has both the upper and lower incisors, avoid this completely.

5. Similar to the previous two tips, another tip is to offer a cold or frozen washcloth for baby to chew on. The washcloth is a safe bet because baby can't bite it off (as long as there are no loose threads!).

6. Additionally, if your baby has an upset stomach, give her light food that is easily digested.

Homeopathic remedies for teething

1. Chamomilla: The baby is very irritable and cannot be consoled; wants to be rocked or carried all the time; wants different things but rejects them when they are offered. The child is angry with unbearable pain and may hit or scream. Greenish diarrhea accompanies teething troubles. It is usually the specific remedy for teething, but some babies may need another remedy if Chamomilla does not help.

2. Aconite: Teething distress accompanied by fear or anxiety. 

3. Belladonna: The child has a flushed face with one cheek red and the other pale. The head is hot and fever may be present. The baby is restless and sleepless. Baby may cry out or scream while asleep.

4. Kreosotum: This remedy is indicated when there is caries of the milk teeth; teeth decay soon after they appear.

5. Magnesium phos: Tooth pain relieved by pressing on the gums and by warmth. The baby might like to drink warm fluids or chew on a warm teether.

6. Pulsatilla: The Pulsatilla baby is weepy and clingy from the tooth pain and wants to be constantly cuddled and soothed. Yellowish diarrhea may accompany teething. The baby is better in open air and from cold food or drinks; worse from warm foods.

Other remedies like Calcarea carb, Calcarea phos, Coffea, Mercurius, Silicea may also be indicated based on the symptoms.

Dosage varies depending on the severity of the trouble and the age of the baby. The correct remedy and its dosage needs to be determined by a homeopath. So if your baby is prone to teething pains, do contact a homeopath near you!

 
Image: Hello Bee