Babies typically begin to grow teeth between 4 months and 1 year of age. Although this milestone is an exciting event for parents, sprouting teeth is uncomfortable and even painful for children. Although you can buy a variety of gels and medicines designed to help ease your baby's pain, there also are natural ways to soothe teething symptoms with ingredients and items from your home.
Cool Your Baby's Gums
Give you baby something cold to suck on to help numb gum pain and settle inflammation. Wet a washrag and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour before giving it to your child gnaw or suck. Just make sure that it isn't dyed material so that your baby doesn't ingest any dye. Alternatively, place partially frozen ice cubes or frozen breast milk cubes in a mesh feeder and allow your child to suck on them.
Rub Your Baby's Gums
Wash your hands thoroughly and place a small piece of gauze over a finger. Gently massage your baby's gums in a circular motion. This will help relieve pain and swelling; dentist John Bogert explains in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II" that this also will help clean your baby's mouth. Just be sure that your hands and the gauze are completely clean to avoid exposing your baby to any harmful bacteria.
Try the Herbal Route
With your pediatrician's or dentist's approval, mix up an herbal oil remedy to help ease your baby's gum swelling and discomfort. Thoroughly combine 4 drops of an anti-inflammatory oil, such as clove bud essential oil, with 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil. Test the mixture on your gums first to make sure that it does not sting or feel uncomfortable. Adjust the mixture as needed, then apply a small amount to your baby's gums.
Hard Objects
Give your child a hard object or food to gnaw on to treat teething pain. Consider giving him a teething biscuit or even a metal spoon to chew on. Avoid choking hazards, such as carrot pieces, and do not give your child a sweetened snack or food, which can encourage the growth of bacteria and trigger tooth decay.
References
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II"; Prevention Magazine Editors; 1995
- KidsHealth: Teething Tots; October 2008
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville, Peter Korn; 1996
- BabyCenter: Teething
- BabiesToday: Tried-and-true Teething Remedies; Lisa A. Goldstein
