How to Speed Up Teething with Natural Helpers and Tricks
How to Relieve Children During Teething and What Can Help Speed Up the Process
While a baby's first smiles are a joyful event for parents, the period when the first teeth begin to appear is often challenging for both children and their surroundings. Drooling, irritability, restless sleep, and above all, crying and pain – teething usually doesn't come without tears. Many parents ask during this time: How can I relieve my child during tooth growth, and is there anything that can speed up the teething process?
When Do the First Teeth Begin to Grow
Every child is different, but generally, the first teeth begin to appear between the ages of 4 and 7 months. In some cases, they are visible around 3 months, while in others, they take their time until the 12th month. Most often, the lower incisors erupt first, followed by the upper ones. Most children have a complete set of 20 milk teeth by the age of three.
While some children handle teething almost without difficulty, others go through this developmental period with considerable discomfort. It's not just about physical pain, but also overall mood changes, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite. It's no wonder that parents try to find ways to ease the process – and if possible, speed it up.
What Does "Speed Up Teething" Actually Mean?
Before diving into specific methods, it's important to realize that tooth growth is a natural process that cannot be entirely accelerated like pressing a button. Every child has their own developmental schedule, which is partly genetically determined. However, there are ways to alleviate the inflammatory process in the gums, support the healthy development of teeth, and relieve pain – thus indirectly simplifying and sometimes slightly shortening the entire process.
"Teething is not an illness, but a developmental phase – yet it can be very painful. With proper care, we can relieve the child and prevent unnecessary stress," says pediatrician MUDr. Kamila Šturmová.
Natural Helpers That Can Provide Relief
There are several methods that not only alleviate discomfort but also actually stimulate the gums and can support the teething process. The key is to find a balance between relief and natural stimulation.
One of the most common tips is the use of teething rings. Ideally, those that are fillable with water and can be chilled in the fridge – coolness brings pain relief and also helps reduce swelling. The child can also massage their sore gums on their own, according to their needs. Natural teethers made of rubber or wood are a more sustainable option and do not contain toxic substances that may be present in plastic products.
An interesting choice is also herbal gels or tinctures for teething, which often contain extracts from chamomile, cloves, or sage. These herbs have natural anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. There are also homeopathic preparations or natural sucking tablets on the market that utilize the power of nature without side effects.
Gum Massage and Other Home Tricks
Massaging the gums with a clean finger or a silicone finger sleeve is a simple and effective method that can be performed several times a day. This not only stimulates the gums but also improves their blood circulation, which can support faster tooth eruption. Similarly, chewing harder foods – such as a chilled piece of cucumber or carrot (of course, under adult supervision to prevent choking) – works.
You can also use cooling compresses – a gentle compress applied to the affected area of the face can relieve pain and calm irritation. However, if the child suffers from a fever or shows other signs of inflammation, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.
Diet and Vitamins Play a Bigger Role Than It Seems
While we focus on local relief, we often forget that internal nutrition has a crucial impact on tooth development. A lack of calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals can slow not only tooth growth but also their quality. Breastfed babies receive most nutrients from breast milk, but it's still important for them to get enough sunlight (for vitamin D synthesis) or possibly supplement the vitamin in the form of drops.
For older infants, solid food also plays a role. Foods rich in minerals – such as leafy greens, seeds, nuts (in paste form), legumes, or natural dairy products – can support healthy tooth development. It is also recommended to limit industrially processed foods, which can burden the body and slow down natural processes.
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The Child's Psyche and a Calm Environment
A less discussed but equally important factor is the mental well-being of the child. Children are very sensitive to stress and tension in the family. Excessive noise, frequent changes in environment, or nervous parents can increase irritability and make it difficult to cope with unpleasant feelings. A calm, safe, and loving atmosphere at home is therefore crucial not only for mental development but also for dealing with challenges like tooth growth.
In this regard, a carrier or wrap helps, allowing close contact with the parent. The child thus feels safer, which helps them better endure pain and discomfort. Wearing also facilitates sleep, which is essential for the body's regeneration.
What Worked for Other Parents?
Mother Nikola, whose daughter went through a tough period of growing her first teeth, shares her experience: "The most helpful for us was a chilled teether made of natural rubber and gum massages with chamomile gel. We also tried a silicone finger brush, which the little one played with herself while massaging her gums. It was a period full of sleepless nights, but thanks to this, we managed without unnecessary chemicals."
Such stories show that a combination of several gentle methods is often more effective than relying on a single "miracle" tip.
When Is It Time to See a Doctor?
Although teething is a normal part of development, there are situations where it is advisable to seek an expert. If the child has a high fever, there is blood in the gums, bad breath, or extreme irritability, it could be an inflammation that requires medical intervention. Also, if teeth do not appear even after 18 months of life, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or dentist.
Even though it is not possible to literally "speed up" teething, there are many ways to ease this challenging process for children and naturally stimulate its course. A combination of a stimulating environment, quality nutrition, physical relief, and mental well-being often leads to teeth coming in a bit more easily – and the whole household gets through this period with more peace. And that's exactly what every parent wishes for.
