Teething, or the growing of teeth through the gums of infants and young children, can cause acute pain and discomfort. Teething typically begins when a child reaches six to eight months in age, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Teeth continue to grow in until the child has all 20 baby teeth, a process that may take up to two years. The discomfort of teething results from pressure exerted on the tissue in the mouth as the teeth emerge. Using over-the-counter teething pain relievers may help, but several other teething remedies are available for parents in search of a more natural approach.
Cold Food
Giving an infant cold or frozen food may help alleviate teething pain, according to the Reader's Digest Association in the book "1,801 Home Remedies." Cut up a bagel into six or seven small pieces, put the pieces in a freezer bag, and store in the freezer. When necessary, give the child a piece to chew on. The coldness helps numb the gums while the bagel's edges gently massage them to provide soothing relief. Stay nearby and take the bagel piece away when it becomes mushy. A peeled, frozen banana or piece of apple works similarly. Freeze small pieces of banana or apple and use as necessary. Do not give bagels, bananas or apples to infants who have not begun to eat solid food.
Catnip Tea
An old-fashioned natural teething remedy, catnip soothes the nervous system and helps relieve acute pain. In her book "Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health," herbalist Rosemary Gladstar recommends administering a dropperful of the cold tea to the teething child once every two to three hours, as needed. Steep 1 tsp. dried catnip in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and chill in the freezer or refrigerator before using. Rubbing the tea onto the child's gums with a clean finger may also help alleviate teething pain. While catnip is generally considered safe for children, always consult your pediatrician before giving any herb to your child.
Chamomile Compress
In her book "Gentle Healing for Baby and Child," Andrea Candee recommends applying a chamomile tea compress to the teething child's gums to help relieve pain. Steep 1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers or 1 chamomile tea bag in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and chill in the freezer. Soak a piece of clean cotton gauze in the cold tea and apply directly to the child's gums. You can also freeze pieces of soaked gauze for immediate use when necessary. If the child becomes especially fretful, give a droperful of warm chamomile tea to help soothe the nerves or massage the tea onto the gums with a clean finger.
Clove Essential Oil
A natural topical anesthetic, clove essential oil may help diminish teething pain. In her book "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How," Amy Rost suggests rubbing diluted clove oil directly onto the child's gums. Combine four drops clove oil with 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, and rub directly onto the gums with a clean finger. The oil can irritate the skin and gums so try some in your mouth before giving to a child to ensure you have diluted it enough. If it burns or stings, add more vegetable oil. Repeat the treatment once every hour or as needed throughout the day.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Teething
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
- "Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2008
- "Gentle Healing for Baby and Child"; Andrea Candee, David Andrusia; 2003
- "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How"; Amy Rost; 2009
