Teething Remedies
When Does Teething Start?
Most babies start teething at around 6 months of age, but it can begin anytime between 4 and 10 months[1]. Whilst timing can vary between babies, generally teeth come through in the following order:
- 6–10 months: central incisors (bottom front teeth)
- 8–12 months: central incisors (top front teeth)
- 9–13 months: lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth)
- 10–16 months: lateral incisors (either side of the bottom front teeth)
- 14–18 months: first molars (lower back teeth)
- 13-19 months: first molars (upper back teeth)
- 16–23 months: canines (upper and lower)
- 23-31 months: second molars (lower behind the first molar)
- 25-33 months: second molars (upper behind the first molar)[2]
Some babies breeze through the teething process but for most it can be painful. When teething starts your little one may cry more, drool more, eat less and in general be a little unsettled[3].
Teething Gel Dangers
There are many over the counter teething gels available. However, these contain ingredients that can be potentially harmful to your baby. One potentially harmful ingredient found in many teething gels is benzocaine. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) warned that the use of benzocaine can lead to a serious condition called methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia decreases the amount of oxygen flowing through the bloodstream and is particularly dangerous for children under 2 years. The FDA has urged manufacturers to stop marketing these products for treating teething in infants and children under 2 years due to the risks[4].
Teething Remedies
Fortunately, there are several safe and natural teething remedies which can provide relief to your little one. Some great natural remedies include:
- Wash Cloth- soak your organic cotton wash cloth in cooled boiled water and keep it in the fridge, this will allow your little one to chew on the cold cloth, the pressure and coolness will feel great on teething gums and relieves teething pain.
- Cold Fruit and Vegetable Sticks- depending on age, a cold cucumber or carrot stick to chew on can provide relief. Whatever vegetable or fruit you chose, make sure it’s age appropriate and doesn’t pose a choking risk.
- Massage- gently massage you little ones gums with clean fingers or organic cotton wash cloth.
- Natural Rubber Teethers- natural rubber teethers are soft and the perfect texture for teething little gums to chew on. Natural rubber is plant based, naturally safe and non toxic.
- Distraction- keep your little one busy during the day to keep their mind off the discomfort. Activities you could try include going for a walk, reading books, singing nursery rhymes, gentle massage or even a relaxing midday bath.
Make sure that whatever remedy you choose, it is important that the activity is supervised and suits your child’s needs. If you have any concerns about any remedies or symptoms of teething please seek advice from you General Practitioner.
Teething can be a stressful time for you and your little one, hopefully some of these ideas help you both!
[1] https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Children-0-11/Babies
[2] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-development-in-children
[3] https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/health-daily-care/dental-care/dental-care-babies
[4] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/risk-serious-and-potentially-fatal-blood-disorder-prompts-fda-action-oral-over-counter-benzocaine
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