Teething is an important milestone in a baby’s early life, marking the growth of their first teeth. While exciting, teething can be a challenging time both for infants and their caregivers, as it often brings discomfort and various symptoms.

Teething is the process during which a baby’s first set of teeth, known as primary or “milk” teeth, begin to break through the gums. This typically starts around six months of age but can vary widely, with some babies beginning as early as three months and others not starting until after their first birthday. The process continues until around age three, by which time most children have all 20 primary teeth.

Pattern of Milk Teeth Eruption

The milk teeth, also called deciduous teeth, typically erupt in a predictable pattern:

1. Lower Central Incisors (6–10 months)
2. Upper Central Incisors (8–12 months)
3. Upper Lateral Incisors (9–13 months)
4. Lower Lateral Incisors (10–16 months)
5. First Molars (13–19 months)
6. Canines (Cuspids) (16–22 months)
7. Second Molars (25–33 months)

By the age of 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Why Does Teething Hurt?

Teething can be painful because the teeth must push through the sensitive gum tissue to emerge. As the teeth move closer to the surface, they create pressure and sometimes inflammation in the gums, resulting in soreness and discomfort. Babies’ gums are particularly tender, and the pressure of a tooth breaking through can make them feel irritable and uncomfortable.

What Causes Teething Symptoms?

As the teeth push through the gums, they cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. This leads to:

• Drooling: Excess saliva production as a reaction to gum irritation.
• Gum Swelling and Redness: Due to the pressure of erupting teeth.
• Chewing Behavior: Babies may chew on objects to ease the discomfort.
• Fussiness or Irritability: Caused by persistent discomfort.
• Mild Fever: Though debated, a slight rise in temperature may accompany teething.
• Sleep Disturbances: Due to discomfort, especially at night.

Why Are There Other Symptoms During Teething?

In addition to gum pain, teething can trigger a range of symptoms, such as drooling, fussiness, mild fever, disrupted sleep, and a tendency to chew on objects. These additional symptoms occur for a few reasons:

1. Increased Saliva Production: Teething stimulates salivary glands, causing excessive drooling. This can lead to skin irritation around the mouth and chin.
2. Mild Inflammation: The gums often become swollen and tender during teething, leading to a slight increase in body temperature, though not a true fever. Some babies may experience redness around the cheeks or mild rashes.
3. Chewing Instinct: The pressure caused by emerging teeth leads babies to gnaw or bite on objects as a natural way to counteract the discomfort. This instinctive behavior helps massage the gums and provides temporary relief.

Physiology of Teething: What is Actually Happening?

The teething process starts long before the tooth appears above the gumline. Here’s a closer look at the physiology of teething:

• Tooth Development: Teeth begin forming in the womb, and by birth, the primary teeth are already fully formed beneath the gums. During teething, these teeth start moving toward the surface, pushing through the gum tissue.
• Gum Changes: As the tooth approaches, the gums may appear red, swollen, and slightly tender to the touch. The tissue around the emerging tooth may form a small “blister” or bump, which is a normal part of teething.
• Inflammatory Response: When teeth push through the gums, it can trigger an inflammatory response in the gums, which results in soreness, tenderness, and mild swelling. This is why babies may feel irritable or cry more often during this time.

What Causes the Pain in Teething?

The primary source of pain during teething is the pressure exerted by the emerging teeth on the sensitive gum tissue. In addition, the gum inflammation causes soreness, which makes the area tender and can lead to discomfort. As the teeth get closer to breaking through, the pain often increases, leading to more pronounced symptoms.

Measures to Help Relieve Teething Discomfort

Fortunately, there are several ways to help soothe teething pain and make the process more comfortable for your baby. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:

1. Massage the Gums: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can provide temporary relief by easing pressure and stimulating blood flow to the area.
2. Cold Compresses: Chilled (not frozen) teething rings or a cold washcloth can help reduce inflammation and numb the gums, providing relief from pain.
3. Use Safe Teething Toys: Teething toys designed for chewing offer relief by letting babies satisfy their instinct to gnaw. Look for BPA-free options, and ensure the toys are appropriately sized to prevent choking.
4. Avoid Sugary Foods: If your baby has started solids, avoid giving sugary or acidic foods during teething, as they may irritate sensitive gums.
5. Hydration: Keep your baby hydrated, as teething can cause extra saliva production. Offering water between feeds can help.

Homeopathic Remedies for Teething

1. Chamomilla: One of the most widely used homeopathic remedies for teething, Chamomilla is known for helping soothe irritability, restlessness, and pain associated with teething. It’s especially useful for babies who are inconsolable and want to be held constantly. This remedy is well known to have introduced many parents to Homeopathy
2. Calcarea Phosphorica: This remedy is often used for teething discomfort and is believed to help strengthen the development of teeth and bones. It can be especially beneficial for babies experiencing delayed or slow teething.
3. Belladonna: If the baby has red, flushed cheeks and is experiencing intense teething pain, Belladonna may be a good remedy. It’s often recommended for teething with signs of inflammation and mild fever.
4. Pulsatilla: Known for its calming effects, Pulsatilla can be helpful for fussy, clingy babies who seek comfort and want to be carried. It’s often used to calm emotional symptoms and mild physical discomfort.

Additional Homeopathic Remedies

A few more homeopathic options can be effective in managing teething symptoms:

1. Rhus Toxicodendron: For teething babies who feel better when they are moving or chewing, Rhus Toxicodendron may provide relief. It is often used for restlessness and discomfort that improves with gentle activity.
2. Silicea: If the gums are particularly hard and there seems to be difficulty in cutting the teeth, Silicea may help soften the gums and ease the teething process.
3. Coffea Cruda: This remedy is recommended for babies who are unable to sleep due to teething pain. Coffea Cruda is known to calm restlessness and help babies settle into sleep.
4. Aconitum Napellus: When teething is accompanied by sudden irritability, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping, Aconitum Napellus may help soothe these symptoms.
5. Magnesia Phosphorica: For teething discomfort with cramping or spasmodic pain, this remedy can offer relief. It’s also known to calm fussiness and restlessness.

Remember that every child is unique, so some remedies may work better for certain babies than others. Always look to match the symptom picture.

Is your precious one in pain and distress due to teething, and lots of other complaints associated with teething, then BOOK AN ACUTE CONSULT NOW