'Alternative' holistic medicine

Alternative non-pharmacological holistic therapies (acupressure, aromatherapy, massage and homeopathy) are also becoming popular to relieve teething discomfort. Aromatherapy include application of oils and herbs to the gums, like diluted clove oil, natural liquorice sticks, fennel, green onion, olive oil, ginger root, and vanilla along with massage to neutralize the inflammatory mediators produced during teething. It is important for clinicians who care for children to be aware of the types of products that are available and used by parents.

Acupressure requires the parent to apply pressure to certain key skin points, providing immediate pain relief. Chamomile oil (recommended for teething) may be placed (out of reach) in an aromatherapy diffuser in the infant's bedroom. It is also helpful if the child is suffering from diarrhea, irritability, or red cheeks.

Teething children can be comforted and stimulated by a full body massage.

Practices that are not recommended:

Parents should be advised that a number of outdated practices are potentially harmful. Adding sugar, honey or jam to feeding bottles, or dipping a pacifier in honey or jam has absolutely no pain-relieving effect. Alcohols are not recommended for infants, and specifically the application directly to mucous membrane should be avoided as it may lead to hypoglycaemia.

General advice regarding medication

Only sugar-free objects and medication should be prescribed during teething. Parents should be told correct dosages to prevent overdose of the child when dispensing medicaments. Teething remedies should be kept well out of reach of all children, as even 'childproof' containers can be opened by small children, and because of added flavorings, children can unwittingly overdose themselves. Medicines, including teething remedies, should never be added to food or feeding bottles, as parents cannot accurately control the dosage ingested. In addition, the active ingredient of the medication may adversely interact with foodstuffs and the possibility exists for other children to share potentially harmful medication in this way.

• The diagnosis of teething has historically been applied to almost any potentially serious illness as well as normal childhood behavior during the period of teeth eruption.
• Young children are exposed to a wide variety of situations, environments, and illnesses and can have multiple episodes of fever, congestion, and diarrhea. Physicians and caregivers should be aware of the temporal relationship between teething, exposure to infection, and normal childhood illnesses.
• Parents need to be educated that local symptoms may occur, but systemic symptoms are not caused by teething.
• The infant should be promptly referred to a physician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if severe systemic upsets occur.
• The currently accepted methods of pain relief for teething infants have progressed considerably since the historic days of gum-lancing and dangerous remedies which contributed to the high morbidity and mortality.
• Teething treatments range from topical and systemic pharmacological preparations, teething rings and cold washcloths to homeopathic oils and topical benzocaine.
• Most of these treatments are benign, but some have the potential to cause serious disease or pose a choking risk. Vigilance and caution should be used when physicians prescribe treatment and when parents choose to use non-traditional remedies.

See Expert Views On "Teething" Questions
See Frequently Asked Questions On "Tooth Injury"
See Frequently Asked Questions On "Tooth problems"
See Frequently Asked Questions On "Teething"

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