Teething or ordontiosis is when teeth cut or erupt from the soft gums of a baby.

The process can be challenging to both the baby and the parents due to the pain and discomfort that may be experienced. This article discusses 7 all natural teething remedies that will help make your baby feel better.

When does teething begin?

Babies are born with 20 teeth beneath their gums. The time and sequence in which baby teeth appear may vary depending on family history.

Teething can start as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months, when the teeth begin to erupt consecutively from the gums.

Babies have 20 baby/primary teeth by the time they are three years old.

Teething sequence

Generally, teething in babies commonly occurs in pairs in the following order.

Lower incisors

This are the Bottom front teeth

Appear from 5-7 months

Upper incisors

This are the top front teeth

Appear between 6-8 months

Upper lateral incisors

Teeth on the sides of the upper front teeth

Appear 9-12 months

Lower lateral incisors (incisors on the side of the mouth)

Teeth on the sides of the lower front teeth

Appear from 10-12 months

First molars in the upper jaw

Teeth at the back of the top jaw

Appear from 12-16 months

First molars in the lower jaw

Teeth at the back of the bottom jaw

Canines in the upper jaw

Teeth that are in the middle of lateral incisors and first molars found in the top jaw

Canines in the lower jaw

Teeth in the middle of lateral incisors and first molars in the bottom jaw

Second molars in the lower jaw

Appear from 20- 30 months

Symptoms of a Teething Baby

Teething symptoms may vary from one baby to another. Others may not experience any.

Teething symptoms normally appear around the six-month mark of a baby’s development.

They may include the following:

•Gums that are swollen or painful

•Irritability and fussiness

•Discomfort

•bitting and chewing on objects

They enjoy chewing on just about everything and everything they can get their hands on during this process! Biting provides counter pressure, which helps to reduce gum pressure.

•Pulling on the earlobes and rubbing the cheeks because of the sore gums, which can also be felt in the cheeks and ears as the molars emerge.

It could also be an indication of an ear infection. Consult a doctor if this symptom persists and the baby is febrile.

•Drooling or excessive salivation

The process of teething in babies can cause excessive salivation.

Bacteria can build up on the skin as a result of the excess saliva, resulting in baby teething rash around the neck, chin, cheeks, and lips.

•An increase in body temperature of below 101FH.

A mild discomfort may be felt by infants.

Coughing, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, and a fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit are often mistaken for teething.

They are symptoms of sickness and should be addressed by a physician.

•Disruptions in their sleeping and eating patterns.

Best All Natural Teething Remedies

Below are 7 all natural teething remedies that can help.

1.Comfort and reassurance

Show them a lot of love and care by hugging and playing with them to take their minds off the pain.

2.Breastfeeding

If the baby is breastfeeding, the suckling will comfort the baby.

3.Cold Objects

Give them cold items to chew on, such as a chilly washcloth, a firm rubber baby teething ring or cold pacifier.

Avoid giving the little ones frozen toys to chew on as they may hurt the mouth.

Ensure to properly clean the object before and after use to prevent infections.

Allowing the infant to chew on objects that are small enough to be ingested or that could shatter while being chewed, posing a choking hazard, is not recommended.

For babies already 6 months old, give them some healthy foods to chew on such as a piece of fruit ,vegetable or bread crust.

Monitor them as they chew to prevent choking.

Avoid giving food that contains too much sugar as it may cause the infants’ teeth to decay.

You can give them teething crackers that are hard and unsweetened to chew on.

Babies who are above 6 months old, can be given cool water to drink using a sippy cup.

4. Clean Finger

You might also use a clean finger to massage their gums and let them gnaw on them.

The infants may be uncomfortable at first, but after a few gentle touches, will generally find it soothing.

5.Facial massage

Gently massage your baby’s chin and cheeks with your fingertips in a circular motion to ease the pain and also help in bonding.

6. Chamomile tea

This caffeine free tea provides remedy for the pain and fussiness. The mother can drink the tea and provide this benefits to the baby through breastfeeding. You can give the baby cold sips of the tea or soak a clean finger in the tea and rub it on the baby’s gums.

7. Hygiene

Frequently clean the drool from the face with a clean cloth or place a bib around the neck to keep the skin dry and prevent rashes.

What Not To Do

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a cautionary statement about the use of;

•baby teething tablets made with homeopathic ingredients.

•teething jewelry such as teething necklaces

Teething necklaces pose a great danger of choking babies if they break and the infants swallow the beads.

They may also cause strangling.

•baby teething gel

Avoid using frozen objects as they are too hard and may hurt the baby’s mouth.

Avoid teethers containing liquid that may break and pour out.

Baby teethers that are made of materials that can break and cause choking should not be used.

Some teething products may contain harmful materials such as lead and should not be used.

Chose those made of rubber which is safe.

Teeth Cleaning for Infants

Proper oral hygiene is vital and should be observed.

Before the teeth appear, gently clean the gums using a clean wet cloth or gauze at least once daily, preferably after feeding.

Pediatric dentists recommend brushing baby’s teeth as soon as they appear, rather than waiting until all of the teeth have erupted before starting an oral hygiene practice.

They advocate using a fluoride toothpaste the size of a rice grain with a soft bristles baby toothbrush wet in water.

To get rid of any stored bacteria, rub a wet soft cloth over the gums and front of the tongue. This can be done twice a day, after feeding in the morning and evening. #teething