Homeopathic Remedies for Teething
Teething is always uncomfortable, but some babies and toddlers feel more miserable than
others. Episodes begin around four months of age and occur at intervals until age two or
later. Babies are usually cranky or tearful, drool profusely, and feel a need to press their
gums or bite down hard on toys. Sometimes a teething baby refuses to eat or nurse. The stress
and discomfort of teething can lower a child’s resistance to infection. Runny noses,
rashes on the chin, spitting up of swallowed saliva, or mild diarrhea can occur without
infection—but fever and symptoms of actual illness are not “just teething.”
Any illness needs attention of its own. Homeopathic remedies are a safe, non-toxic way to help
relieve the pain and make the baby happier.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Aconitum apellus: If teething is very painful, and the baby seems agitated or
fearful, this remedy can often bring relief. The baby’s face may be flushed, the gums
may look inflamed, and sleep can be very restless.
Belladonna: Intense inflammation and gum pain, with flushing of the face and a
feeling of heat, often indicate a need for this remedy. The baby is restless, easily startled,
and may tend to cry out during sleep.
Calcarea carbonica: If teething is late to begin, then slow and difficult, this
remedy can be helpful. The baby may seem sad or anxious with the pain, making chewing motions
and pressing his gums together, often even while sleeping. Babies who need this remedy are
usually chubby, slow to learn to crawl or walk, and their heads often sweat during naps or
sleep at night.
Calcarea phosphorica: This remedy may be helpful to a child whose teeth are late to
come in, with aching in the gums and trouble sleeping. Irritability, picky eating habits, and
stomachaches are other indications. A child who needs this remedy often is allergic to many
foods and may tend toward early tooth decay.
Chamomilla: This remedy is often indicated when a child seems extremely irritable or
angry and the pain appears to be unbearable. Babies may feel agitated, scream and hit, and
want to be rocked or carried constantly to distract them from the pain. The gums may be so
tender that touching them is intolerable — or they may feel better from hard pressure
and biting down on something cold. Greenish diarrhea that occurs because of teething stress is
another indication for Chamomilla.
Coffea cruda: This remedy can be helpful when a child seems excitable and has
trouble sleeping because of teething pain. Distressing pain in the gums often is relieved by
holding something cold on them.
Ignatia: If a child seems very emotional, upset, or sad because of teething, this
remedy may bring relief. The baby’s sleep may be light and restless, with jerking or
twitching in the arms and legs.
Kreosotum: This remedy may be helpful if the child has irritating saliva and severe
discomfort during teething. Teeth that decay soon after coming in often indicate a need for
Kreosotum.
Magnesia phosphorica: This remedy is often helpful for painful teething, relieved by
pressing on the painful area and by heat. The baby may seem happier when drinking something
warm from a cup or bottle, or when biting down on an object. A warm washcloth or hot water
bottle held against the cheek may also help relieve the pain.
Phytolacca: This remedy may be indicated if a baby with teething pain constantly
presses his or her gums together very hard, or tries to bite down on anything in reach.
Pulsatilla: A baby who is very tearful during teething and wants to be constantly
held and comforted may respond to this remedy. Biting on something cold may help and warmth
increases discomfort. Cool food and drinks or being out in open air also bring
improvement.
Silicea (also called Silica): Slow, difficult teething that makes the baby tired and
nervous may be helped by this remedy. Children who need Silica often have fine hair
and seem a little delicate, with low resistance to colds or other illnesses.
Sulphur: This remedy may be indicated if a reddish irritation or rash develops on
the baby’s chin or diaper area during teething episodes. Diarrhea (often whitish) may
occur because of stress. The baby is irritable and anxious, feeling worse from being warm.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.