Parenting Guide

The 6 best Indian home remedies for teething toddlers

The 6 best Indian home remedies for teething toddlers

Fact-checked by MFine | Last Updated : July 26th, 2022

Teething can often be painful and uncomfortable for your little one. Here are a few natural home remedies for your teething toddler!...

The 6 best Indian home remedies for teething toddlers

Every parent looks forward to the day that their child gets their first tooth. The teething process begins in the womb, when the foetus starts to develop tooth buds which are embedded in the gums. Most babies will get their first tooth within the first 6 months. It usually follows a pattern in most babies; the middle teeth appear first and the two molars at the edges are the last to appear. Taking care of your child's gums during this period is very important as it can lay the foundation for their dental health throughout their life. Teething can often be uncomfortable for babies, causing them itching in their gums and in some cases, a fever. There are many different home remedies that parents should try to ease their children through the teething process. Also read our blog on 8 Tried-And-Tested Indian Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in Infants

1. Ginger

The nerve endings in your baby’s teeth are very sensitive to inflammation, this is a common baby teething symptom. Ginger is proven to be a great teething baby remedy as it contains anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce the lumps that will form in their mouth during this stage. It has many medicinal substances and is an age-old Indian remedy used to quickly relieve pain. Take the end of the ginger root and rub it gently against the side of your baby’s gums for 5 minutes. Do this regularly to solve your baby’s teething problems.

2. Rusk or Breadsticks

Using breadsticks to soothe your baby is an effective way to relieve baby teething problems. The process of gnawing will help your baby overcome the pain in their gums. You can customise the rusks or breadsticks according to your baby’s preference. You can give them either sweet or savory flavours depending upon which one your baby seems to like more. You can also use organic rye flour breadsticks as they have a chewy texture which can act as a soother for your baby. You must make sure to always store your rusks and breadsticks in an airtight container to prevent them from getting soggy when you give it to your infant.

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3. Bananas

Bananas that are kept frozen overnight are an excellent teething remedy and are also one of the best foods for baby weight gain. Bananas have dual benefits as they are not only a soft food that will help your baby with their teething pain, but they are also a natural source of potassium which will aid in your baby’s development. It also provides energy as it contains three natural sugars; sucrose, glucose and fructose. The fiber from the banana has anti- inflammatory properties which is a natural soother for your baby. Take one small ripe banana and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Take it out of the refrigerator 10 minutes prior to using it and soak it in lukewarm water. Cut off the tip of the banana and feed it to your baby. Also read our blog on How to Stop Vomiting in Children: Use These Proven Home Remedies

4. Cloves

Cloves or clove oil is commonly used in Ayurvedic practice. They are usually used for toothaches, but can also be used as a soother for your baby. They contain antioxidants that will target the source of pain in the tooth. There are multiple health benefits of using clove oil. It will protect your baby’s teeth from listeria, which is a common bacterial infection found in the baby’s gums. A bacterial infection can exacerbate the pain in your baby’s gums. Cloves will inhibit and destroy the bacterial infection by emitting anti-inflammatory inhibitors towards the site of infection. To use it as a baby teething remedy, take a clove bud and carefully insert it in between your baby’s gums. If you prefer using clove oil, gently rub the oil on your baby’s gums. You will have to make sure that your baby is not allergic to cloves as this will only cause more pain.

4. Chamomile herb

This herb must only be used closer to your baby’s bedtime as it contains calming properties that will aid in making your baby fall asleep. It is used as an antiseptic and an antimicrobial agent. Your baby cannot drink chamomile tea as it is too strong for them to handle. Organic forms of the herb, however, have a milder taste and are very beneficial for your baby. You can rub plain chamomile buds directly on your baby’s gums as an effective baby teething remedy.

5. Vanilla extract

Most babies love the smell of vanilla! To use it as a baby teething remedy, stay away from adulterated vanilla essence that is commonly available as they contain chemicals which can harm your baby. Instead, look for pure, organic vanilla extract which is much safer and of a higher quality. Take a teaspoon of the extract and massage your baby’s gums with it for 2 minutes.

6. Cold Spoons

Placing something cold on your baby’s gums will give them some much-needed relief by numbing the pain. Spoons are a common household item and when they are cold, make the perfect baby teething remedy. Silver or steel spoons are better than plastic spoons as they can hold the chill temperature for a longer period. Make sure to only stick the spoon inside the refrigerator for an hour so that your baby can handle the temperature. These home remedies will help soothe your baby’s gum pain quickly. You can try out various remedies to find out which one works best for your baby, as different babies will have different needs and preferences. If you still find sores and swellings in your baby’s gums, you should speak to your paediatrician about it. Through the mfine app, you can connect with city's top paediatricians from your city immediately.