Natural Teething Home Remedies

Resist the urge to run to the corner drug store to purchase over-the-counter medication for teething relief–natural teething home remedies are safe, cheap, and effective. Giving your baby a finger massage, a cold spoon, wet gauze, or a rubber teething ring, will naturally alleviate oral discomfort.

Your precious cherub is crying. Her gums are sore and swollen. She’s running a low-grade fever and gnawing and drooling on any accessible object. The first tooth is a developmental milestone that typically occurs between 4-6 months. After the first tooth, a new tooth emerges approximately every 1-2 months. Her central incisors (these are the top or bottom two front teeth) arrive first. Next, the molars cut. Canines come in last.

You can easily soothe your baby’s discomfort, at home, with simple, time-honored techniques. Apply a small, cold spoon, to your baby’s gums, to reduce swelling and discomfort. The American Dental Association recommends a wet gauze pad to soothe sore gums. Give baby a rubber teething ring to gnaw. Gently massage your baby’s swollen gums, with one finger. These methods are safe and effective.

Loss of appetite, crankiness, and sleeplessness commonly coincide with cutting teeth. Some babies even develop harmless eruption cysts which rupture as the emerging tooth cuts through. However, if your baby experiences diarrhea, rashes, or a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, contact your physician.

Be weary of over-the-counter medications for oral discomfort. Even the purportedly “homeopathic” brands, may be hazardous. Hyland’s Teething Tablets were recalled, in October, 2010 due to alarming belladonna poisoning side effects: seizures, muscle weakness, labored breathing, and reduced consciousness. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that rubbing medicated soothing gel is ineffective since the medicine is drooled out within minutes. The gels are even harmful if swallowed in excess.

Corner drugstores are irresistibly convenient with their and colorful awnings, chirpy muzak, and illuminated aisles. The smiling babies, on the medicine packages are beckoning you, with implied promises of a full-night’s sleep. Why waste money on meds that may be ineffective or downright dangerous? Stay home and give your baby natural teething home remedies for teething relief.

SOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Dental Association
Laura Berk (2004) Infants and Toddlers
Daniel J. DeNoon, WebMD Health News