Teething in babies is a significant milestone that depicts that they are on the right path of growth and development. The process of teething may begin from the age of 3 months itself with the eruption of the first baby tooth by 6 months of age. The parents are well aware that the phase of teething is painful for the children whereby they are constantly crying and getting irritated because of enhanced ache and soreness in and around the mouth.
There are various ways to provide relief to a cranky baby facing the teething discomfort. But essential oils, in particular, are effective, safe, and widely used for soothing the pain and relaxing the distressed baby. The aim of this article is to update you on the various essential oils for teething. We will also discuss what is teething, when does it start, symptoms of teething, how to use essential oils, precautions to be taken while using them, and other ways to provide relief to the babies and kids from the teething issues. Let's begin the journey regarding understanding the detailed information on teething.
What is Teething?
Teething is a process in babies whereby there is tenderness, soreness, and pain in and around the gums due to tooth eruption.
Babies may face diarrhea, weakness, and irritation due to increased discomfort. They also face trouble in feeding and sleeping properly.
When does Teething Start?
Generally, the first tooth may appear around 4-6 months in babies but the tenderness and pain in gums may begin as early as 3 months. Teething tends to continue till 2.5 years of age by which around all of the 20 baby teeth are presumed to have been erupted. The discomfort is maximum when the tooth is trying to erupt out of the gums and begins to ease as soon as it starts to come out.
What are the Symptoms of Teething?
The following symptoms clearly reflect that the baby is suffering from teething and needs some sort of relief from the growing irritation. The most common symptoms are listed here, let us understand them in detail:
1. Drooling:
The baby starts to produce more saliva which tends to come out and may cause redness or rash around the mouth.
2. Diarrhea:
Teething causes a lot of changes in the body. The sudden distress may lead to diarrhea as well in some babies
3. Pain in the gums:
As the tooth is finding its way out of the gums, so they become swollen and suffer from immense pain.
4. Discomfort:
The change in eating and feeding patterns, constant trouble, and pain leads to discomfort which makes them cranky.
5. Difficulty in sleeping:
The child might wake up at night multiple times or might refuse to sleep during the day due to soreness and aches.
6. Fever:
The baby might face a rise in the body temperature due to constant fussiness, distress, and crying.
7. Excessive chewing:
The baby might want to bite or chew on different things so that their gums are pressed providing them relief from the excessive pain in the gums.
It is likely that some babies may show less or no symptoms of teething and come out of the process without any pain as each child is unique.
Essential Oils for Teething
Essential oils are concentrated oils obtained from plants and are extensively used in aromatherapy for their healing properties. During teething, essential oils help the babies and kids by lowering down the pain and discomfort occurring in the gums due to tooth eruption.
How to Use Essential Oils During Teething
There are 2 types of usage of essential oils in teething. The kind of use depends upon the age and level of discomfort. Let's check both the types of usage one after the other:
1. Topical application:
Under this usage, the essential oil is mixed with a carrier oil and applied on and around the affected area to relieve pain.
2. Diffusion:
Under this usage, a few drops of the essential oil are put in the water of a vaporizer and diffused in the air for providing a relaxing and claiming effect.
Different Essential Oils for Different Age Groups
1. For babies from 4 to 7 months
The skin of babies falling under this age group is highly sensitive, so only the mild essential oils are used for easing the pain and discomfort. The paediatrician must be consulted before usage. Let's check out the 2 essential oils that are recommended:
Chamomile:
This essential oil is non-toxic with sedative properties, so it is widely preferred for small babies. For effective usage, either add 2 drops in a vaporizer with water or mix in a base oil with a combined dilution ratio of less than .5% essential oil to base oil. Then gently apply a small amount of this concoction on the baby's jawline for relief
Lavender:
This essential oil has calming and natural antiseptic properties, making it a favourite of parents for their cranky babies. For effective usage, either add 2 drops in a vaporizer with water or mix in a base oil with a combined dilution ratio of less than .5% essential oil to base oil. Then gently apply a small amount of this concoction on the baby's jawline for soothing.
2. For babies from 6 months to 2 years
Apart from the above 2 essential oils mentioned above, another 2 can be used for babies and kids above 6 months of age. These can be directly applied onto the gums after proper dilution. Let's check them out one by one:
Marjoram:
This essential oil works by increasing circulation and thereby easing the ache. It should be used by mixing it with a carrier oil and then applied on the jawline.
Ginger:
This essential oil comforts the sore gums and soothes the discomfort. It should be used by mixing it with a carrier oil and then applied on the jawline.
3. For kids older than 2 years
The kids older than 2 years have many options as such for giving them the much needed soothing whenever they face the issue of tenderness in their gums and pain. There are 2 more essential oils that can be used, let's have a look at them:
Clove bud:
This essential oil has brilliant antiseptic properties and has to be mixed with a carrier oil and then gently applied on the swollen gums to provide relief from pain.
Copaiba:
This essential oil can be conveniently mixed with appropriate carrier oil before using for relieving pain. It has inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
These essential oils are absolutely safe to be used for babies and kids and assists in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, combating tenderness and soreness.
Points to Remember While Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are safe when used with caution and in the right amount. It is imperative to consider the following points while using essential oils for teething babies and kids:
- Before usage, consultation from a pediatrician and essential oil expert must be obtained.
- Not to be used for babies less than 3 months old.
- Ensure to use the appropriate essential oil and only in the recommended quantity.
- Care must be taken whether to have topical application or diffusion according to baby's age.
- Never apply directly on the baby's sensitive skin as it may do more harm than good.
- Dilute and mix appropriately with a carrier oil before topical application.
Other Ways to Provide Relief During Teething
1. Pressing cold cloth:
2. Vegetable pieces:
3. Teether:
4. Feeder:
5. Chewable toys:
6. Finger massage:
Final Words
About The Author
NewMumLife Team
NewMumLife is a parenting website for moms, dads and child care. We aim to offer a place to connect parents and parents-to-be for all types of parenting advice and suggestions to the questions they normally face. Our content is for the parents and by the parents where they share their personal experiences to benefit our parenting community.