Natural Remedies for Teething Pains

Non-Toxic Alternatives to Soothe Baby's Gums

Aug 19, 2009 Naomi Szeben

Teething pain keeps babies and parents awake at night. Choosing a plant-based remedy can put health-conscious parents at ease.

Teething pain is a topic that has parents searching for remedies in whatever form available. From old wives’ tales to pharmaceutical options, cures can range from strange to downright dangerous.

Side-Effect Free Teething Remedies

Benzocaine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter teething remedies, is prone to causing allergic reactions in infants. Dr. Booker, a Maryland-based paediatric dentist states that teething gels "can numb the swallowing reflex, and the baby can choke."

Some homeopathic teething remedies include herbs like chamomile and belladonna to treat inflammation, and a natural antiseptic like clove oil, to help keep infections at bay. Most dentists and paediatricians do not recommend the use of alcohol on gums to soothe swelling or to sedate a child, as even small amounts can cause an averse reaction to their tiny systems.

A DIY teething alternative is to make a very strong batch of organic chamomile tea (roughly three or four tea bags per cup), soak a clean washcloth in the liquid and freeze it for the little one to gnaw on. Another option is clove oil; an item sold in most health food stores. Mix one drop of clove oil with 1-2 tablespoons organic sunflower, vegetable, or other edible oil, and swab on gums (roughly $7 per ounce).

Alternative Remedies for Teething Pain

• Hylands Homeopathic Teething Tablets - tablets containing chamomile and belladonna melt instantly on the tongue ($7/125 tablets).

• A Canadian company, Boiron, has Camilla Teething Liquid – a vegan homeopathic liquid prepared with herbs such as chamomile and pokeroot; simply squeeze dose into the mouth ($5/20 vials).

• OralSoothe™ - an all-natural herbal remedy that contains calcium, passionflower and chamomile extracts. (From $26.95 to $34.95)

• Humphreys 100% Natural Remedies™ - Teething Pellets Original Flavour: These teething pellets are also available in “Very Cherry” contains 135 pellets. ($6.00)

Some swear by teething rings that can be put in the freezer for the baby to gnaw on – however, some still are made with plastics that contain BPA – a toxic component to most plastics. Health Library does not recommend teething rings that are filled with liquids for freezing. They could break open, exposing the baby to potentially toxic contents. Putting a spoon, or even a safe plastic soother in the freezer for chewing on can soothe some discomfort.

Another factor to consider is how the teething necklace or ring is offered to the infant: Never tie a teething necklace or ring to a child’s neck or article of clothing. Should the ring or necklace catch on something, the cord could choke the baby.

Online Resources for Teething Information

• www.medicinenet.com/teething/article.htm answers questions like when to call a paediatrician and how to care for a baby’s new teeth.
• www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Health/Teething: Debunks most old wives’ tales, among which include feeding a baby hard Zwieback crackers and rubbing whiskey on an infant's gums. Also features a timeline for when to expect the pain to start and (finally!) stop.

The copyright of the article Natural Remedies for Teething Pains in Green/Simple Living is owned by Naomi Szeben. Permission to republish Natural Remedies for Teething Pains in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Never Use Alcohol on a Baby's Gums