Many parents rely on products like teething rings to comfort their child when teeth are pushing their way through, but what can you do if your child is teething, and you have no teething ring to hand? The lockdown situation means we’re all having to innovate, but this doesn’t mean you have to compromise when it comes to your child’s well-being. Fortunately, there are numerous other tried-and-tested products and treatments you can use to help ease the symptoms of teething.

Teething babies love to chew because biting down on a firm surface causes temporary relief for sore little gums. Natural alternatives which provide the same relief for weaned children, over the age of six months, include raw fruit and vegetable sticks – such as carrot and cucumber – that your child can chew on (just make sure to always stay close when your baby is eating to avoid the risk of choking). If these have been kept in the fridge, then the chilled surface can give extra respite from the pain of those red, raw gums. If you are breastfeeding your baby, another solution is to chill some expressed breast milk in a bottle to help soothe your child’s gums. Alternatively, although not as cold, bread crusts and breadsticks are also widely used in place of teething rings. Ensure your child is sitting in a supported upright position and monitor them while they are using any of the above to guard against any food becoming a choking hazard.

If you’d prefer to avoid food items as a viable alternative to teething rings, then a fridge-cooled, clean, wet flannel can be chewed on as a softer alternative for those painful gums. But don’t put a wet flannel in the freezer. Do ensure that you avoid giving your child anything frozen as too hard a surface may damage baby’s gums.

Medicinal treatments are available from most pharmacies and major supermarkets, which remain open during lockdown. Traditional Herbal Remedies such as Ashton & Parsons Teething Powders, contain the ingredient Tincture of Matricaria. Made from oils extracted from chamomile flower heads, Tincture of Matricaria has traditionally been used to treat the most common discomforts of teething, such as sore gums and flushed cheeks and dribbling, based on traditional use only. Always check the label of any medication for the appropriate dose or speak to your GP or pharmacist for reassurance on how to administer these products.

There are also treatments such as Ashton & Parsons Teething Gel which are widely available, the medical device with its soft brush applicator helps to gently massage the gel onto your little one’s gums.

One of the most powerful comforts for a restless or distressed baby is of course a cuddle! Never underestimate the effect being close to your baby can have. Distraction through play is also a great technique for helping your baby to cope with the irritation teething can cause.

You can also minimise their discomfort by regularly and gently wiping away the excess dribble caused by teething, as this can cause a rash. And once teeth appear, it’s vital that you brush them twice daily to avoid gum disease occurring due to plaque build-up.

Ashton & Parsons Teething Powders are a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of teething pain and the symptoms associated with teething which are sore and tender gums, flushed cheeks and dribbling, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional herbal remedy. Contains tincture of matricaria. Always read the label.

Ashton & Parsons Teething Gel is a medical device. Always remember, product should be applied by adults. Never leave a medical device in the hands of a child.

References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/teething-tips/