Teething Discomfort

Background

The first baby teeth usually appear between 6 and 12 months of age. Rarely, they erupt before 3 months of age or not until after 12 months of age. After 2 to 3 years at the latest, all teeth have erupted.

Symptoms

Numerous signs and symptoms are traditionally attributed to teething. However, a causal relationship could only be proven to a limited extent or not at all in scientific studies. It does not make children sick, but it can be somewhat uncomfortable for them, causing mild discomfort and behavioral changes. These include, for example:

  • Pain
  • Increased salivation, sucking, biting.
  • Rubbing on the gums
  • Inflammation of the oral mucosa over the emerging teeth.
  • Irritability
  • Increased body temperature
  • Sleep disturbances, crying
  • Indigestion, loss of appetite
  • Rash on the face, flush, rash on the buttocks.

Diagnosis

If the duration is prolonged or if symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting and skin rashes are present, medical clarification should be made, since it is probably not the teething that is responsible, but, for example, an infectious disease.

Non-drug treatment

Chewing on a teething ring relieves discomfort. It is especially effective if it has been previously cooled in the refrigerator. In general, anything that can be chewed and bitten on is helpful. Thus, (cooled) and non-cariogenic foods such as fruits and vegetables (e.g. carrots, celery) or medicinal drugs (violet root, marshmallow) can also be used. The pacifier also relieves discomfort. Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger has a similar effect to biting. Disposable finger cots can also be used.

Drug treatment

Medications are 2nd-line remedies for more severe symptoms. Pain-relieving mouth gels:

  • Salicylates such as salicylamide and choline salicylate and local anesthetics such as lidocaine numb the pain for 1-3 hours. Salicylates are additional anti-inflammatory agents but should not be used as a precaution if a concurrent viral infection is suspected (Reye syndrome). Parents should wash their hands before applying the medicine and massage it in gently. Do not exceed the maximum dosage. Possible adverse effects include local hypersensitivity reactions. Preparations with alcohol burn on contact with injured mucous membrane.

Analgesics:

  • Such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are administered as suppositories or syrup also relieve pain. Painkillers should be used cautiously and only for a short time on a few days. The dosage must be carefully observed, since severe adverse effects can occur in the event of an overdose.

Herbal medicines:

  • Herbal mouth gels contain anti-inflammatory, tanning and analgesic plant extracts such as chamomile, sage, myrrh, ratanhia or cloves.
  • Herbal tinctures
  • Violet root is actually not a root, but a rhizome and also does not come from violets, but from irises (, , )! It is available in pharmacies and drugstores (Iridis rhizoma pro infantibus) and is used as a whole drug (not cut). Biting on the root has an analgesic effect. For hygienic reasons, its use is not undisputed. Therefore, it has been suggested to boil it regularly in hot water for 5 minutes. However, ingredients may be lost in the process.
  • Herbalist Künzle recommends for the same purpose a well-washed marshmallow root to bite. However, this should not be coated with honey, as he suggests (caries). Honey should also not be applied because it can cause infant botulism.

Alternative medicine

Amber necklaces:

  • Necklaces made of polished amber are worn around the neck or on the wrist. Amber is a fossil resin and should be rinsed regularly twice a day under running water, according to manufacturers. It should not be placed in the sun or treated with soap or detergents, otherwise it will be damaged. In stores are also available cheaper and less aesthetic models made of artificial materials (plastic).Criticism is that the little ones can swallow the stones of defective chains or put them in the nose and the necklace threatens injury. Therefore, chains with magnetic clasps are also offered, which open when the child hooks somewhere (motif: Amberstyle amber chains. Some experts advise against its use because of the risk of strangulation.

Homeopathics:

Schuessler salts:

Other methods such as acupressure, aromatherapy.