Understanding Teething: Homeopathic Remedies for Your Little One

Teething can be a trying time for both infants and their caregivers. As many grandmothers have suggested, when a baby shows signs of distress, it often coincides with the eruption of their first teeth. While teething is a normal developmental stage, understanding the role it plays in your baby’s health and well-being is crucial. In fact, the digestive system is deeply connected to various infant health issues, making teething a significant event.

Through the lens of homeopathy, we explore the different indications and remedies that might assist during this period. As outlined by Bouko Levy M. in the “Homeopathic and Drainage Repertory,” the interplay between tooth eruptions and other health pathologies, such as irritability, diarrhea, insomnia, and skin conditions, cannot be overlooked.

The Homeopathic Constitution

Homeopathic practitioners often categorize infants based on their constitution, which can influence the teething process:

1. Psoric: Generally healthy, experiencing periodic eliminations.
2. Tuberculinic: Teething may be delayed, often accompanied by rapid dental decay and fevers.
3. Sycotic: Susceptible to abscesses and recurrent ear, nose, and throat infections.
4. Luetic: Teething can be early but often comes with complications such as restless nights.

Remedies for Delayed Teething

For children who are experiencing delayed teething, specific homeopathic remedies can support their journey:

For Thin Children:

• Calcarea Fluorica / Calcarea Phosphorica / Silicea (6X): 1-2 spoons, 1-3 times a day.

For Heavy Children:

• Calcarea Carbonica / Silicea (6X): 1-2 spoons, 1-3 times a day.

Dealing with Caries and Rapid Decay

When dental health is at risk, particularly in cases of rapid caries or delayed dentition, consider the following remedies:

• Calcarea Carbonica 6X: 3 granules daily, with a weekly dose of Calcarea Carbonica 9C.
• Calcarea Phosphorica 6X: 3 granules daily, with a weekly dose of Calcarea Phosphorica 9C.
• Carbo Vegetabilis 5C: For older individuals with bleeding gums; 3 granules daily.
• Fluoric Acid 5C: Useful for dental fistulas; 3 granules daily, with a weekly dose of Fluoric Acid 9C.
• Sepia 5C: For children appearing older than their age; 3 granules daily.

Remedies for Premature Teeth

As soon as the first tooth appears, you can begin to use these homeopathic remedies to ensure optimal development:

• Calcarea Carbonica / Calcarea Fluorica / Calcarea Phosphorica (6X): 1 or 2 spoons, 3 times a day, alongside Fluoric Acid 9C weekly.
• For spongy, bleeding gums, or teeth with a putrid odor: Kreosotum 5C or Staphysagria 5C (3 granules daily).

Digestive Distress

Diarrhea is one of the most common issues during teething. Here are some remedies based on the nature of the symptoms:

• Fetid Diarrhea:
• CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA 6X – for adenoids and swollen soft cranial bones.
• CHAMOMILLA 5C – if the diarrhea is hot and watery, accompanied by whining and restlessness.
• KREOSOTUM 5C – useful in cases resembling cholera in infants.
• PODOPHYLLUM 5C – indicated for hot, glowing cheeks with cholera symptoms.
• Greenish Diarrhea:
• CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA 9C or CHAMOMILLA 5C – for milder symptoms.
• AETHUSA CYNAPIUM 5C – if there’s milk intolerance and acid vomiting.
• MERCURIUS SOLUBILIS 5C – to address burning, excoriating symptoms, particularly during candidiasis.
• Sour Diarrhea:
• MAGNESIA CARBONICA 5C – useful for green, watery, frothy diarrhea and colics.
• RHEUM 5C – recommended for acidity and cool sweat around the face.

Constipation can also occur, especially with extreme dryness. For this, consider MAGNESIA MURIATICA 5C in three granules as needed.

Nervous System Support

Teething can induce a host of nervous symptoms:

• Furious Delirium and High Fevers: BELLADONNA 15C can be administered as a one-time dose.
• Dread of Downward Motion: BORAX 15C is beneficial for extreme sensitivity to noise.
• Restlessness at Night: CHAMOMILLA 15C can help calm moody infants who are only quiet when being carried.
• Nighttime Screaming: JALAPA 9C can soothe a previously good child turned troublesome at night.
• Insomnia and Screaming: KREOSOTUM 15C is indicated for very painful teething.
• Indecisiveness and Impatience: RHEUM 9C might help children who want many things but refuse them when offered.

Respiratory Relief

In cases of recurrent infections such as ear, throat, or lung issues, MERCURIUS SOLUBILIS 5C (3 granules as needed) can be beneficial. For more general respiratory relief, consider using BORAX 5C or CHAMOMILLA 5C.

Skin Conditions

Teething can also manifest through skin issues like eczema. Specific remedies include:

• Eczema on the Scalp, Cheeks, and Bottom: CALCAREA CARBONICA 9C is suggested when there’s healthy-looking skin but night sweats.
• Recurrent Respiratory and Digestive Issues: DULCAMARA 5C (3 granules as needed) may assist with concurrent eczema, bronchitis, and diarrhea.
• Chronic Catarrh: MEDORRHINUM 9C can be administered for infants who sleep on their stomachs and suffer from chronic nasal issues.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of teething can be complex, but utilizing homeopathic remedies can provide support and relief for your baby during this critical stage. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment, especially when it comes to your child’s health. Embrace this phase with knowledge and confidence, knowing that teething is but a temporary challenge on the journey of growing up.

For more personalized advice, or to explore additional homeopathic options, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to support you and your family!