Teething can be stressful for both you and your baby. Seeing your child in pain can be tough, as you naturally want to ease their pain quickly. Luckily, there are some safe and effective ways to ease teething pain. This article will guide you through all-natural remedies that can help soothe sore gums and make the teething process less daunting for both you and your little one.

What is teething?

Teething is the period when a baby's first set of teeth, called primary, milk, or deciduous teeth, starts coming through the gums.¹ Babies are born with 20 primary teeth already formed beneath the gums, with 10 teeth in each jaw.^2,3 Every baby is different when it comes to teething, but babies usually begin teething around six months of age, though it can start earlier or later. By the age of three, most children have all their primary teeth.⁴ Primary teeth are important for many reasons. They help create a path for permanent teeth to grow when they're ready, eventually falling out as the permanent teeth appear.⁵ They also serve important functions, such as helping the baby eat, talk, smile, and give the baby’s face its shape.^3,6

Teething schedule

Although the order of teething can be different for each baby, most babies follow a similar schedule. According to guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), primary teeth grow and develop in this order: 

Central incisors

• Upper (Maxillary): Come in at 6-10 months, fall out at 7-8 years.
• Lower (Mandibular): Come in at 5-8 months, fall out at 6-7 years.

Lateral incisors

• Upper: Come in at 8-12 months, fall out at 8-9 years.
• Lower: Come in at 7-10 months, fall out at 7-8 years.

Canines

• Upper: Come in at 16-20 months, fall out at 11-12 years.
• Lower: Come in at 16-20 months, fall out at 9-11 years.

First molars

• Upper: Come in at 11-18 months, fall out at 9-11 years.
• Lower: Come in at 11-18 months, fall out at 10-12 years.

Second molars

• Upper: Come in at 20-30 months, fall out at 11-13 years.
• Lower: Come in at 20-30 months, fall out at 9-12 years.

Signs and symptoms of teething

Knowing if your baby is teething isn't always clear, but you can look for signs based on their age and symptoms. Teething affects babies differently; some feel no pain, while others may be extremely uncomfortable. Some of these signs include:⁷

• Chewing or biting on things
• More drooling or dribbling
• Red cheeks or a rash on the face
• Being fussier or more irritable
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Rubbing their ears
• Red and sore gums where teeth are coming in
• Slight fever below 38°C

Teething symptoms usually last a few days to weeks for each tooth, and might make babies feel uncomfortable. But not all symptoms are because of teething. If your baby has a high fever or other serious symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, cough, or congestion, it could be a sign of another health issue.⁸ It's important to see a doctor if your baby has these symptoms, even if they're teething.

Why should I consider natural remedies?

There are many teething remedies available, from creams to teething rings, but some can cause problems. Here's what to be cautious of:

• Numbing Creams: Avoid those with benzocaine or lidocaine, as they might not work well and can lower oxygen levels⁹
• Homeopathic Remedies: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using these remedies. Some homoeopathic teething tablets contain a toxic substance called belladonna, which can lead to seizures and other harmful reactions¹⁰
• Liquid-filled rings: These should be avoided, because the liquid inside may contain harmful bacteria. This can pose a risk of serious illness if swallowed or absorbed through a cut in the mouth
• Amber Jewelry: These jewellery items can be dangerous if they break, potentially causing choking or strangulation⁹

According to Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, teething can be handled without prescriptions or over-the-counter remedies. Choosing safe and effective natural teething remedies can reduce pain without posing risks to your baby's health.

Natural remedies for teething pain

Teething items to chew on

Give safe chewing options for your baby, like teething gloves or wooden teethers. These items are safe for babies and support healthy chewing habits and mouth development.

Gum massage 

Gently massage your baby's gums in circular motions to help numb the pain. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before massaging to prevent introducing harmful bacteria.

Cool items or food 

Cold items or food can help numb the pain. Cool a clean washcloth, metal, or wooden spoons in the refrigerator, and let your baby chew on them. The coolness can help reduce gum soreness, but be careful not to leave them on too long to avoid pain or frostbite. If your baby is beginning to eat solid foods, another option is to use mesh feeders. These are ideal for letting your baby nibble on chilled fruits like apples or grapes, offering a healthier alternative to sugary teething biscuits. Always supervise your baby to prevent choking hazards, and clean the feeder well after each use.

Herbal teas 

• Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe teething discomfort. Make sure the teas are cooled to a safe temperature, diluted with water, and served in appropriate amounts based on your baby's age and weight. Nursing mothers can even drink the tea to pass its benefits to their little ones
• Ginger root: Rubbing a piece of peeled and cleaned ginger root on your baby's gums can help provide relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties

Breast milk popsicles 

Breast milk popsicles can provide natural relief for teething pain, as breast milk has anti-inflammatory properties. Freeze breast milk in popsicle moulds and let your baby chew on them for comfort.

Tips for managing teething pain

 Adding some changes to your baby's routine can help you manage teething pain and support your child during this challenging time. Here are some practices you can consider: 

• Distraction methods: Playing with toys, singing songs, or going for a walk can help distract your baby's attention from the pain. Spending quality time together can also help calm your baby and comfort them
• Comfort measures: Try gentle rocking or cuddling to provide physical comfort and a sense of security. Create a calming environment with soft lighting, warm baths, and soothing music to help them relax and reduce fussiness
• Dietary adjustments: Give your baby soft, cold foods like chilled fruits or vegetables to numb gums and alleviate discomfort. Avoid acidic or spicy foods, as they may exacerbate pain and irritate sensitive gums

Things to consider when using natural remedies 

• Before using natural remedies, consult your paediatrician. Afterwards, you should look out for any negative reactions, and seek medical advice if needed
• Follow proper dosage instructions and choose reliable brands for safety and effectiveness.
• Store natural remedies properly, and handle them with care to maintain effectiveness and prevent contamination
• Take into account your child's general health and existing medical conditions when selecting teething remedies. Some remedies may interact with medications or worsen health issues. For example, if your baby has a known allergy to chamomile, avoid chamomile-based remedies

FAQ’s

What shouldn't you do during teething?

During teething, it's best to avoid salty, spicy, and citrus foods, as they can worsen your baby's condition. Choose a blander diet with vegetables instead. You should also steer clear of homoeopathic teething tablets and gels, as they have been linked to negative reactions, according to the FDA. ¹⁰ Over-the-counter topical pain relievers are also not recommended, as they can cause a drop in oxygen levels in children. Finally, it is best to avoid teething necklaces, as they may cause choking and suffocation if they break.⁹

What is the best position for a teething baby to sleep?

It is safer for a baby to sleep on their back, as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To reduce teething pain, slightly elevate the baby's head by placing a thin towel or blanket under the crib or bassinet mattress. Avoid using pillows, as they can be risky. Swaddling can also provide extra comfort, but make sure it's done safely.

When does teething stop hurting?

Teething pain generally lasts for a little over a week for each tooth or pair of teeth. This means your baby may experience pain for about five days before the tooth comes through, known as "eruption day," and three days after. If symptoms last longer, you should consult their doctor.

Summary

Teething can be hard on both babies and parents. When babies are teething, they may have symptoms such as increased drooling, irritability, and a strong urge to chew on objects. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to relieve their pain. Natural remedies like teething tools made of silicone or wood, gum massages, cool items, herbal teas, and breast milk popsicles can ease the pain without harmful side effects. It’s important to consult with your paediatrician for the best advice on soothing your baby's teething pain. Once you have their approval, you can try these natural remedies to help relieve your baby's symptoms. Every baby is unique, so finding the right approach may take some trial and error but with patience and care, you can help reduce your baby's pain.