Every child goes through it, but with a little knowledge we can help our little ones through the teething stage. I get asked all the time by parents if their child could be teething and if this is why their little one is miserable. Teething usually starts at about 4 to 5 months but some kids can start even earlier. Often times, teething symptoms can be misdiagnosed for other common childhood disorders.
Typical symptoms that we see with teething are:
- Runny nose or clear mucus
- Irritated ear or pulling on the ear
- Low grade fever
- Picky eating or difficulty nursing
- Disrupted or abnormal sleep patterns
- Loose stools
The typical symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as a cold or sinus infection, ear infection, flu, stomach or digestive issues or even colic. Parents often report that their child is constantly pulling on one ear or the other and they are concerned about an ear infection. In reality, pain from the gums can travel from the cheek or gum into the ear which can cause the child to pull or tug on their ears. Often times, parents will take their child to the pediatrician when the child is crying and fussy and can be misdiagnosed as an ear infection.
I have been there Moms when its the middle of the night and your baby is crying and nothing works to console them. We just want to snap our fingers and make it better. Teething is something all babies must go through. There are natural, holistic options to help ease their aches and pains. Medications that are used to suppress the low-grade fever can interfere with their bodies ability to adapt and can sometimes do more harm than good. Your little one’s gums are sore and aching as there is a sharp tooth trying to push its way through the gums. Anything that you can offer to help with that pressure will bring relief. Parents often report that freezing a wash cloth that your child can chew on can bring some pain relief and decrease the inflammation. I often suggest to parents that gentle massage along their jaw line or on their gums can ease pain. I also suggest using essential oils along the outside of their jaw that have been diluted with coconut oil or grapeseed oil can be beneficial like lavender or copaiba to ease common symptoms of teething.
Recognizing that your child might be teething helps to put your mind at ease. The body has an innate ability to work as it was designed. Children can benefit from chiropractic care as a support to the immune system and for wellness care. Gentle adjustments to the upper cervical spine can help their little bodies adapt and function at their best. Many parents have reported improvements with their child’s teething discomforts while under chiropractic care. If your child is experiencing challenges with teething, contact Dr. Davis at Davis Family Chiropractic to see if they may benefit from chiropractic care.
