Dr. Carole Keim talks about teething, a subject that comes up a lot and that parents have many questions about. She explains all about what to expect in terms of your baby’s teething discomfort and what modalities can help alleviate some of the pain.    

Teething happens to babies and then again to older children and is uncomfortable both times, though the experiences are slightly different. Dr. Keim discusses how teething can take place at varied intervals for each child, what sort of symptoms might show up in babies and younger children, and how Western medicine treats teething pain. She also explores what acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and nutrition and supplements have to offer your baby.  

In this episode:

Teething  (00:34)

• Symptoms: pain/fussiness/clinging/crying, drooling, diarrhea, low-grade fever, tooth buds (eruption cysts)
• Western - tylenol, ibuprofen (over 6 mos), orajel, frozen washcloths, frozen fruit in mesh teethers, teething toys (list in email series!) 
• Acu - acupuncture / acupressure points on hands and feet, herbs for teething
• Chiro - adjustments can help - upper neck (very gently with pinkies only) and/or skull bones (craniosacral therapy).  Soft tissue techniques - move swelling out of the jaw /neck 
• Nutrition/supplements - soft cold foods (yogurt, applesauce, jello, mashed fruit, pureed baby food), teething foods (teething crackers), calcium (dairy, soy, dark green veggies), vitamin D (sunlight, supplements), magnesium (green veggies, nuts, legumes), phosphorus (meat), Vit A (eggs, dairy, yellow/orange veggies), Vit C (citrus fruits, strawberries), fiber (fruit, veg) 
• Homeopathy - Hylands tablets - cautious
• Aromatherapy - lavender and chamomile oil on jawline (under 6 mos), 6-24 mos can use ginger oil on gums and marjoram on jawline, over 24 mos can use clove bud oil on gums 

Next week: colic/reflux!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, launching on November 15, 2023. Pre-orders are available here. Her book, The Baby Manual, covers the first year of baby life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. For additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers, follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Season 2 Episode 10: Supportive Care for Colds
• Pre-order the Holistic Mamas Handbook, launch date 11/15/23
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon
• Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram