Healthy Teething

Let’s just re-cap and highlight some of the dangerous teething practices that are still doing the rounds online, then round up with safer and recommended teething practices, for anyone that missed it:

Bad idea No. 1: I want to start with the health advisory that still, unfortunately, isn’t getting enough circulation in Irish mammy blogs and groups: Amber Teething Beads. Since 22 December 2018, major health organisations including the HSE, NHS, and the FDA in US, as well as international paediatric experts, have put out formal warnings against amber teething beads after the fatal strangulation of a napping 18 month old 21/12/18 in USA. This incident followed increasing evidence of injury: a near-fatal choking of a 7-month old on wooden teething beads in US, a fatal amber beads choking in 2016 in California, US, a non-fatal strangulation in UK in 2015 and Canada in 2017 are among the most notable cases. Other reports have called for a ban after injuries for last 3 years in France. Up until this past year, doctors hadn’t formally been collecting statistics, but rather publishing isolated cases. For the last year, the FDA is now collecting injury statistics. Among the false claims made by sellers of amber beads is that the amber releases a pain-relieving substance that is absorbed through the skin (it doesn’t) or control drooling (it can’t). Others also say that it boosts immune system or reduces inflammation (absolutely does not). Others claim it can help treat ADHD/ADD in toddlers (no, not at all.)

Bad idea No. 2: Dozol is a product that contains paracetamol and diphenhydramine, an antihistamine. It is not recommended or safe for children under age of 24 months unless specifically prescribed by your child’s doctor (we’ve talked at length before the reasons why). A child who is teething may be miserable, but sedating them is not appropriate or safe.

Bad idea No. 3: Every so often, in the name of “natural”, the internet comes up with truly bad ideas. Rubbing vanilla Extract into your child’s gums is not a safe or natural alternative treatment for teething, no matter if it is certified organic. Why? Most preparations are 30-34% ethanol (making it about 70 proof). It is the equivalent of the old practice of putting whiskey or gin on your babies gums (I shouldn’t have to say it but: No, don’t, it’s not safe.)

One-piece teething toys or rings made by reputable companies (such a NUK, Tommee Tippee, Sophie Giraffe…) or other solid, one piece age-appropriate toy (read package for safety and care instructions before giving toy/teether to your child). Keep clean and always inspect for damage before each use. Do not put sugary gels or substances on the ring/toy.

Cold things: Choose a teething ring or toy that can be put in the fridge. If using one containing gel, always carefully inspect for damage before giving it to your child. If you are an all-natural mama, you can choose one that is made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials, or skip the teether toy and try using clean, cotton facecloth or sock that has been twisted and frozen (tie one end in a knot for better gnawing). Don’t freeze toys/gel-containing rings: they are too hard for little gums. Any experienced mammy will tell you that your baby will often pick their own thing to chew on, like cot rails, the plastic part of soother, their own socks, your fingers/arm/nipples (ouch).

Massage. A light, gentle rub or massage might give your little one a lot of relief. Remember to wash your hands, then massage the sore areas in your baby’s mouth with your finger or knuckle. Also, if you learned or practiced infant massage in early days for colic, etc., and have stopped, this might be a time to start again. Evidence does show this helps calm and sleep.

Give cold/cooled water to drink from a cup/sippy cup – this helps to keep babies hydrated when drooling and may also soothe their gums.

Give healthy foods to chew on, such as pieces of carrot or apple, or breadsticks, if they’re 6 months or older. Always stay with your

baby so they don’t choke. Baby C. is massive carrot-just-out-of-the-fridge fan. I never leave him unattended with it. Avoid sugary teething rusks.

Last resort: Medicine. When your baby is having a really tough time when cutting a tooth, you can try the old reliable paracetamol or ibuprofen. Try not to give it regularly for days on end. Remember, all chewing is not pain when baby is teething. Chewing for teething can go on for weeks and months.

Conversely, all fussing is not pain when your child is teething: normal sleep regressions may equally disrupt a teething child’s sleep.

Remember to change your baby’s nappy frequently and use a barrier cream to help prevent nappy rash that occurs with teething.

Miscellaneous teething remedies that aren’t recommended:

Numbing gels or creams that contain benzocaine (Anbesol) are not recommended for infants. Lidocaine containing gels have also had reported to have side effects, and regulations are currently changing in Ireland to reflect this. If you are using lidocaine (Calgel or Baby Bonjela), speak with your pharmacist to make sure that you are clear on dose and how they are to be used. Experts agree that they isn’t good evidence for lidocaine use in teething.

There are some unlicensed homeopathic or alternative herbal products sold online/communities. These are not safe to use in young infants and babies. Research into these products shows that they may cause serious side effects [belladonna, or deadly nightshade, is a common ingredient]. These include difficulty breathing, seizures, agitation, excessive sleepiness, constipation and difficulty urinating. Note that homeopathic Nelson’s Teetha Gel but not granules, does contain belladonna, but at amount small enough to be safe as per HRPA. The active ingredient in Nelsons products is chamomile, which has not been shown to be effective.

When to call the GP about teething:

If your child has a temperature over 38 degrees.

If your child is crying and inconsolable.

If your child has excessive diarrhoea.

If your child is unwell and you have any concerns.