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Posted: April 27th, 2023
Teething Problems and the Function of Medicine
Teething is a natural process that occurs when a baby’s teeth start to emerge through the gums. It usually begins around six months of age and can last until the child is three years old. Teething can cause discomfort, pain, inflammation, fever, and irritability in some babies. Some parents may wonder how to soothe their teething babies and whether they should use any medicine to help them.
The function of medicine is to treat or prevent diseases, injuries, or symptoms. Medicine can be in the form of pills, liquids, creams, injections, or other methods. Medicine can have different effects on different people, depending on their age, weight, health condition, and other factors. Medicine can also have side effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions that may occur along with the intended benefits.
When it comes to teething problems, there are different types of medicine that parents can use to help their babies. However, not all of them are safe or effective. Some of them may even pose serious risks to the baby’s health. Therefore, parents should be careful and consult their doctor before giving any medicine to their teething babies.
Some of the common types of medicine that parents may use for teething problems are:
– Pain relievers: These are medicines that reduce pain and inflammation. They include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin). These medicines can be given orally or applied as a gel on the gums. However, they should not be given to babies younger than six months without a doctor’s advice. They should also be used with caution and in the correct dosage, as overdosing can cause liver damage or bleeding problems. Parents should also avoid aspirin, which can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in children.
– Teething gels: These are products that contain anesthetic agents (such as benzocaine or lidocaine) that numb the gums temporarily. They are applied directly on the gums with a finger or a cotton swab. However, they are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as they can cause serious side effects such as methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder that reduces oxygen delivery to the tissues) or allergic reactions. They can also interfere with the baby’s gag reflex and increase the risk of choking.
– Homeopathic remedies: These are products that contain very small amounts of natural substances (such as plants or minerals) that are supposed to stimulate the body’s healing response. They are sold as tablets, drops, powders, or gels. However, they are not regulated by the FDA and their safety and effectiveness have not been proven by scientific evidence. Some of them may contain harmful ingredients such as belladonna (a poisonous plant) or alcohol. They may also interact with other medicines or cause allergic reactions.
– Herbal remedies: These are products that contain extracts or parts of plants (such as chamomile, clove, or ginger) that are supposed to have medicinal properties. They are sold as teas, oils, tinctures, or gels. However, they are not regulated by the FDA and their safety and effectiveness have not been proven by scientific evidence. Some of them may contain contaminants or toxins that can harm the baby’s health. They may also interact with other medicines or cause allergic reactions.
The best way to soothe a teething baby is to use non-medicinal methods that are safe and effective. These include:
– Giving the baby something cold to chew on, such as a chilled teething ring, a wet washcloth, or a frozen banana.
– Massaging the baby’s gums gently with a clean finger or a soft toothbrush.
– Distracting the baby with toys, music, or cuddles.
– Keeping the baby’s face dry and applying a moisturizer to prevent skin irritation from drooling.
– Offering the baby cold water or breast milk in a cup or bottle.
Teething is a normal and temporary stage in a baby’s development. It does not require any medicine unless the baby has a fever or an infection that needs medical attention. Parents should always consult their doctor before giving any medicine to their teething babies and follow their instructions carefully. Parents should also monitor their babies for any signs of adverse reactions or complications from any medicine they use.
References:
– American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2019). Teething pain: How to ease your baby’s discomfort. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Teething-Pain.aspx
– Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2018). Do teething babies need medicine on their gums? No. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/do-teething-babies-need-medicine-their-gums-no
– Mayo Clinic. (2020). Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378
– National Health Service (NHS). (2019). Tips for helping a teething baby. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/teething-and-tooth-care/
– WebMD. (2020). Teething relief for your baby. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/teething-relief
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