Hurrah, you’ve reached a significant milestone in your baby’s development! I’m so excited for you!!! That said, teething can be challenging for both the child and the parents because this process can start months before a tooth finally breaks free, causing discomfort, fussiness, and sleepless nights. However, understanding the teething process, recognizing the early signs, and knowing how to offer relief can make this journey smoother.
Understanding Teething
Teething typically begins around six months, but it can start as early as three months or as late as 12 months. Some babies are even born with tooth buds. Each tooth has a nerve that transmits information to the brain, contributing to the pain sensation when it erupts through the gums. Historical fun fact: many dentists used a tooth organ connection to discover health challenges in the body! Understanding that each tooth can transmit pain, trigger inflammation, and create fevers can help caregivers apply natural remedies more effectively, targeting the relief where it’s most needed.
The most common symptoms to look for include drooling, chewing on objects, irritability, and a mild fever. It’s crucial to understand that the pain experienced during teething is partly due to the pressure of the tooth pushing through the gums and the sensitivity caused by each tooth’s nerve. Remind yourself that this is hopefully the first time your child has ever experienced pain. All of this sensation is new to them. It’s okay to take a deep breath and ask for help during this time!!
So what changes when teething begins?
- Sleep patterns may begin to change.
- They seem more complicated to please or soothe.
- They are biting or gnawing on EVERYTHING!
- Excessive drool (the body creates this process to help the teething process!) Bibs to the rescue!!!!
- You may notice rashes, especially on their cheeks and chin.
- There may be more runny diapers or even diaper rash.
- The baby starts to run a low-grade fever (this is a protection mechanism to keep the body healthy from foreign invaders (bacteria and viruses) when the emerging tooth creates a new hole).
- The baby is not eating as much or for as long. These gums hurt, and even the pressure of the nipple can be too much.
- The big one that scares many parents is the beginning of ear pulling, especially if it is accompanied by fussiness and fever. But this is a common self-soothing technique, too. To tell the difference: ear infections usually are not consolable with a fever. (see our Ear Infection Blog)
Natural Remedies for Teething
Several natural remedies can alleviate the discomfort of teething without resorting to medication. Chilled teething rings (either silicone or natural wood) can provide a soothing pressure that relieves the pain. In a pinch, toss a spoon or a washcloth soaked in water (or our tea mix shown below) into the freezer for about 40 min. Alternatively, gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can offer immediate relief. Introducing frozen fruit or vegetables in a mesh bag, like a chilled cucumber or frozen apple slice, can also be a tasty and safe remedy. Choosing safe methods that cannot pose a choking hazard or introduce toxins to your baby’s system is essential.
- Panda Ear is a great brand, especially if you make your own baby food!
Additional Tips for Teething Relief: Homeopathic Medicines for Teething
Homeopathics are a fantastic tool to use during this time. If you want a deeper dive into homeopathy, read my Homeopathy 101 blog!
- Chamomilla – good for calming everyone!
- Chamomilla: (chamomile) is excellent for babies who are drooling, have inflamed gums, and a desire to keep fingers in the mouth. They also may be unconsolable and begin to lash out, hitting and screaming when moved.
- Chamomilla 30 c given three times a day should help.
- I may have also taken a dose personally when emotions are high trying to soothe an unhappy baby!!!
- Podophyllum Peltatum – For Teething with Diarrhea
- Podophyllum Peltatum: when your baby has a watery or mucousy gushing stool that is yellowish–greenish and foul-smelling.
Supplements
- Calcium Lactate Powder is used for both fevers (read the Fever blog here) and to boost the immune systems. It may even help with gum pain!
- Parotid PMG is a long-tried and true mommies’ helper, just crush one tablet and apply it to the inside of the cheek. The parotid glands are part of your salivary glands located beneath and in front of each ear. This gland swelling during teething time is a potential reason babies are more susceptible to ear infections, as it could possibly alter fluid flow.
Because ear infections often accompany teething, I always recommend limiting fruit, sugars, and refined foods (yes, even organic pouches). Concentrate on organic butter, sweet potatoes, and avocado to give fats and food-based vitamin A to reduce swelling. You can also supplement with Chewable Congaplex, up to 6 an hour- especially if fever, snotty nose, and ear pulling is present. Crush and place in the cheek area. You can also take one drop of our Liquid Vitamin D supplement a day to help boost their immune systems.
Herbs
- Organic Chamomile and Catnip: Brew together and soak a washcloth into the tea. Toss in the freezer or rub along the gum for relief. Add cooled tea to a bottle. Both are easy to grow if you want to dry your own!
Essental Oils
- Clove: Did you know clove is a natural anesthetic and has long been used for tooth pain? I recommend diluting it with coconut oil, one drop of clove to a tablespoon of coconut oil, and then applying it to the gums.
- Copaiba: Another excellent choice for helping with inflammation and pain. You can also mix Clove and Copaiba, four drops each, into two ounces of coconut oil!
What about amber necklaces? I wrote a blog on how these necklaces are used and how to check for fakes. Learn all about Amber Necklaces here! The bottom line is, will you remember to check it during growth patterns and take it off for sleeping if not pass!
Teething is a natural, albeit challenging, part of your baby’s growth. By employing natural remedies and understanding the unique aspect of each tooth having a nerve, parents can provide effective relief for their teething child. Patience, love, and a little knowledge go a long way in making this developmental milestone as comfortable as possible for everyone involved.
Please let me know if you have any additional requests or need further sections elaborated!
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