Homeopathy for Dentition in Children

What Is Teething?

Teething refers to the process of eruption of milk teeth through the baby's gums. Teething generally varies from one child to another, but most babies develop the first tooth from 6 months to 12 months. In some children, this process can even start as early as three months of age. In some children, the process of teething is smooth, without any pain, discomfort, or complaint. However, for others, teething can be a difficult and uncomfortable process.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Teething Problems?

The most common symptoms during the process of dentition or teething may include:

• Swollen and tender gums.

• Excessive drooling of saliva may cause a mild rash around the mouth.

• Excessive chewing hard things.

• Crying.

• Putting fingers in the mouth.

• Irritability, crankiness, and restlessness.

• Sleeplessness at night.

• Changes in sleeping and eating patterns.

• Fluid-filled blister around the erupting tooth.

• Fever (between 100 to 101 ºF) and diarrhea.

• Decreased feed intake.

• Chewing of objects.

• Rubbing of cheeks and ears due to referred pain.

Does Homeopathy Work for Teething Troubles?

Homeopathy is a safe and effective method to manage pediatric problems like teething. These medications are administered in very small concentrations, and they typically act by rectifying the homeostatic imbalance in the body. Homeopathic medicines are natural teething remedies. Unlike antibiotics and painkillers, they are safe and have no side effects. They are sweet and easy to take. They not only relieve the physical symptoms during dentition but the mental symptoms such as irritability, crankiness, and restlessness also.

What Are the Different Homeopathic Remedies for Teething Troubles?

Homeopathic remedies are prescribed by a healthcare provider based on the teething symptoms and general condition of the babies. Various homeopathic remedies for treating the general symptoms of teething are:

• Aconitum Apellus: This medicine helps provide relief when teething is painful, the baby is agitated or fearful, the baby’s face is flushed, and the gums are inflamed.

• Belladonna: This remedy is indicated in babies with intense inflammation and gum pain, facial flushing, restlessness, and a feeling of heat during teething. Belladonna 30c is usually given once or twice for two to three days. The remedy is stopped once the improvement is seen.

• Calcarea Carbonica: This is a perfect choice of remedy for babies whose teething begins late, and it is slow and difficult. If the baby looks sad or anxious with the pain, makes chewing motions, has trouble sleeping, and presses his or her gums together, often while sleeping, this medicine can be helpful.

• Chamomilla: This is the most commonly used remedy for babies going through dentition troubles. This remedy is indicated in babies who are very fussy, irritable, and in terrible pain during dentition with lots of anger. They are in so much pain and anger that they may kick, scream or cry and nothing consoles them at that time. Chamomilla acts as an excellent painkiller. Chamomilla 30c is given in one or two doses in the form of pills dissolved in a few drops of water.

• Cina: This is another excellent remedy for teething trouble in babies. This remedy is very similar to chamomilla. They are indicated when babies are irritable and fussy. However, unlike Chamomila, these babies are extremely sensitive and do not like it if someone touches them. In addition, they start crying a lot as soon as their parents carry them. Cina 6c or 30c is recommended twice a day.

• Coffea Cruda: This homeopathic medicine is prepared from coffee beans. This remedy can be helpful when the baby seems excitable and has trouble sleeping because of unbearable teething pain.

• Ignatia: If the baby seems to be upset, sad, and suffering from teething problems, this homeopathic remedy can be prescribed.

• Kreosotum: This is an excellent teething remedy for babies with spongy gums, irritating saliva, teeth that decay soon, constipation or undigested diarrhoeic stool, and severe discomfort during teething.

• Magnesia Phosphorica: This remedy is often helpful for painful teething, which gets relieved by pressing on the painful area and applying heat. The baby may seem more pleased when drinking something warm or when biting down on an object.

• Phytolacca: This medication may be indicated if a baby constantly presses gums together very hard, or tries to bite down on anything that comes in reach during dentition.

• Pulsatilla: A baby who cries a lot during teething and wants to be constantly held and comforted by parents may need this remedy. Biting on something cold may relieve, and warmth may increase discomfort.

• Silicea: It is a good remedy for babies with slow, difficult teething that makes the baby tired and nervous. The babies who respond to this remedy often have a low resistance to colds or other illnesses.

• Sulfur: This remedy may be prescribed if a reddish irritation or rash occurs on the baby’s chin or diaper area during the teething process. Babies who suffer from diarrhea, and vomiting, are irritable and anxious, and feel worse from being warm may get improved with this remedy.

• Ipecac: This remedy may be useful when babies suffer from diarrhea or vomiting during teething. Ipecac 30c is given once or twice a day to keep diarrhea and other gastric complaints in control.

Conclusion

Teething can be an occasion to be celebrated, but it is tough for both baby and parents. Teething trouble is common among babies. Homeopathy is a great tool for treating teething troubles with no side effects. There are numerous teething remedies in homeopathy that help bring down teething problems. Chamomilla, Belladonna, and Cina are some of the common homeopathic remedies for treating teething problems. None of these homeopathic remedies for teething problems should be taken without seeking professional advice.