DENTITION TROUBLES IN TEETHING INFANTS – GENERAL AND HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Teething is the process by which an infant's teeth erupt, or break through, the gums. Teething is also referred to as "cutting" of the teeth. Teething is medically termed odontiasis. Teething symptoms can precede the actual appearance of a tooth by as much as two or three months.

Typically, babies get their in pairs. First come the middle two on the bottom. A month or so later, the two above those arrive. Still, it’s not uncommon to see a baby with four bottom and no upper teeth, or the reverse. A general timeline for teething are 6 months for lower central incisors, 8 months for upper central incisors, 10 months for lower and upper lateral incisors, 14 months for first molars, 18 months for canines and 24 months for second molars

Common symptoms of Dentition in infants

Short of actually seeing a tooth poking through, and given that the process is different for every baby, some possible symptoms to watch for:

Drooling -  It's hard to believe so much fluid can come from the mouths of tiny babes, but teething stimulates drooling, and the waterworks are on for many babies starting from about 10 weeks to three or four months of age or older. If baby's shirts are constantly soggy, fasten on a bib to keep her more comfortable (and cleaner), and gently wipe her chin throughout the day to stave off chapping.

Teething rash - If teething baby is drooling, the constant drip may cause chafing, chapping, redness and rashes around her mouth and chin (and even on her neck). Patting it away will help prevent her skin from taking a hit.

Coughing and/or gag reflex - All that drool can make babies gag and cough. But it's not cause for concern if baby has no other signs of cold, flu or allergies.

Biting - Pressure from teeth poking through under the gums causes baby a lot of discomfort — which can be relieved by counter pressure (chewing and biting). Teething babies will gum whatever they can find, from teething rings and rattles to your soon-to-be sore nipples (if you're breastfeeding) and fingers.

Crying - Some babies breeze through teething with nary a whimper, while others suffer from a good deal of pain due to the inflammation of tender gum tissue — which they feel compelled to share with you in the form of whining or crying. First teeth usually hurt the most (as do the molars, because they're bigger), although most babies eventually get used to what teething feels like and aren't quite so bothered later on.

Irritability - baby's mouth will ache as that little tooth presses on the gums and pokes up to the surface, and, not surprisingly, it'll probably make her feel out of sorts. Some babies may be irritable for just a few hours, but others can stay fussy for days or even weeks.

Refusal to feed - Uncomfortable, cranky babies yearn to be soothed by something in their mouths — whether a bottle or the breast. But the suction of nursing may make a teething infant's sore gums feel worse. For that reason, teething babies can be fussy about feedings (and get more frustrated as neither their discomfort nor their hungry tummies find relief). Those eating solid foods may also refuse to eat while they're teething.

Night waking - The teething fairy doesn't only work days. As your baby's little chompers begin to emerge, her discomfort may disrupt her nighttime slumber (even if she previously slept through the night). Before offering comfort, see if she can settle herself back to sleep; if she's still restless, soothe her with patting or lullabies but avoid a return to overnight feedings (which will come back to haunt you when this phase has passed).

Ear pulling and cheek rubbing - Babies whose teeth are coming in may tug furiously at their ear or rub their cheek or chin. The reason may be Gums, ears and cheeks share nerve pathways, and so an ache in the gums (especially from erupting molars) can travel elsewhere. Babies with ear infections will also yank on their ears, so check with physician if you suspect your little one may be bothered by more than just teething.

The type and severity of these symptoms vary widely from baby to baby — for one, teething means lots of pain and big-time tears, while another might breeze right through to a mouth full of teeth without a complaint. But can probably expect to see at least some, and maybe many, of these symptoms.

General Management

There are a lot of things can do to relieve baby from teething pain. Here are some baby teething remedies:

·        To relieve the pain temporarily, try running a cold spoon on your baby’s gum. You could dip your finger in cold water and run your finger over the gums. This will relieve the pain for a short duration

·        You can use a cold washcloth over your baby’s gums every now and then. This will keep the pain at bay and prevent any rashes from the drooling as well.

·        Teething rings are recommended for babies at this age. There are many silicone based rings that can be sterilized and are healthy. You can put these teething rings in the fridge for a while so they become cold, and then give it to your baby. The cold will relieve the swelling in the area, and help cure the rashes too.

·        You can give your baby a pacifier. Your baby will have an intense urge to chew on things during this period.

·        Giving a comfortable pacifier to chew on will make your baby feel calm and soothe the pain. You could refrigerate this pacifier before you give it to your baby. Do not put it in the freezer. A pacifier put in the freezer will become too hard, and hurt your baby’s jaws.

·        If your baby is over 6 months old, you can give some breadsticks to chew on. You could also try feeding some cold fruits and vegetables at this point. These fruits and vegetables can relieve gum pain as well. When feeding frozen vegetables and fruits, stay away from feeding your baby with carrots or any other hard vegetables that will be tough to chew on.

·        Make sure your baby gets as much liquid nutrition as possible. Since your baby will not be interested in eating food due to the pain, you can try to feed healthy but liquid foods. You should always keep some cold water handy in these situations. You can also make some smoothies, purees or give yogurt to your baby.

·        Putting some pressure on your baby’s gums would also help. Rub your baby’s gums till you can hear a squeaky noise. This pressure will relieve your baby and the squeaking noise might distract from the pain as well.

·        Brushing your baby’s gums with a soft toothbrush about twice a day really helps relieve the pain. It will certainly help for you to feed your baby some chilled smoothies. The taste will distract from the pain, and the chill will relieve pain.

·        There are some really funky pacifiers you can try out. There are some that vibrate, in order to provide pain relief to the baby. See if these work for your baby.

Do’s and Do not’s

·        Do’s - Give baby something cold to suck or chew e.g. teether or a clean cloth dipped in water and kept in the freezer. Wipe your baby's face often with a soft cloth to clean the saliva to prevent rashes.

·        Don't - keep small objects within the reach of babies. Don't give any unclean object to the baby.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homoeopathy has been found to be very successful in treating dentition problems in children’s and medicines are perfectly safe. These natural homoeopathic remedies do not have any side effects at all. Safety of the medicines is a major issue when you are to give any medicine to your child. Therefore it is of utmost importance that the medicines should be completely safe. Homoeopathic remedies are known to be perfectly safe and have been tried by millions of patients all over the world over the last 2 centuries. Homoeopathy is a safe and natural way to relieve the red, swollen gums and the pain. Homoeopathic medicines also help your baby calm down and get to sleep. Following are some of the commonly used homoeopathic medicines for 'Dentition troubles in children '. It is advised that a qualified homoeopathic doctor should be consulted.

Indicated Remedies	Indications
Aconite	Fever with chills Excessive thirst Anxiety and restlessness Relief with sweating
Chammomilla	Child extremely irritable and peevish One cheek red and other pale Profuse sweat on head Greenish offensive diarrhoea Gums red and tender
Calcarea carbonica	Delayed dentition in fat, fair and flabby baby Profuse sweating on head Child has likings for eggs and indigestible things like clay, chalk,coal etc.
Aethusa cyanapium	Delayed dentition in thin emaciated child Indigestion Vomiting of curdled milk or greenish vomiting followed by exhaustion and sleepiness No desire to drink water Sour smelling diarrhoea
Calcerea phosphoricum	Whole body of child smells sour Pain in abdomen with tenesmus (painful urge for stool) Child is unable to digest milk Milk causes pain in stomach Undigested sour smelling stool
Belladonna	Red, severely inflamed gums. Agitated child, can`t fall asleep. Teething is sometimes accompanied by tonsillitis or earache with high fever.
Mercurius solubilis	Excessive drooling, bad breath, coated tongue. Pain is often worse at night.
Pulsatilla	a clingy and tearful baby, wants to be held and comforted all the time. Pain is relieved by sucking a cold teething ring or when breathing cool, fresh air

NASAL BLOCK – COMMON CAUSES WITH GENERAL AND HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

Nasal obstruction can occur due to anatomic abnormalities of normal structures in the nose,  or inflammatory processes that lead to swelling in the nose. Nasal obstruction refers to a blockage of the nasal airway, which can disrupt normal breathing and mucus drainage and lead to numerous other symptoms, such as headaches, recurring sinus infections and snoring.

CAUSES

Nasal obstructions can be caused by several different conditions or anatomical factors, including: Nasal Polyps, Turbinate Hypertrophy (Enlarged bony and soft tissue structures located in the nasal passages), Deviated Septum - A crooked wall of cartilage that divides the two nostrils. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) Inflammation of the membranes due to an exposure to allergens, such as pollen or mold.

NASAL POLYPS

Nasal polyps are common, noncancerous, teardrop-shaped growths that form in the nose or sinuses. They’re usually found around the area where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. Mature ones look like peeled grapes. Small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms. Larger growths or groups of nasal polyps can block your nasal passages or lead to breathing problems, a lost sense of smell and frequent infections. Nasal polyps can affect anyone, but they're more common in adults.

Its symptoms include Stuffy or blocked nose, Sneezing, Postnasal drip, Runny nose, Facial pain, Trouble with sense of smell, Loss of taste, Itching around the eyes and Infections.

Most people with nasal polyps have a runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip. About 75% have problems with their sense of smell.

Many people also have wheezing, sinus infections, and sensitivity to fumes, odors, dusts, and chemicals. It’s less common, but some people with nasal polyps also have a severe allergy to aspirin and reaction to yellow dyes. Nasal polyps more likely to have long-term (chronic) sinusitis. Large ones can even change the shape of nose.

Conditions often associated with nasal polyps include: Asthma, a disease that causes overall airway inflammation and constriction. Aspirin sensitivity may cause some people to be more likely to develop nasal polyps. Allergic fungal sinusitis, an allergy to airborne fungi. Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that results in the production and secretion of abnormally thick, sticky fluids, including thick mucus from nasal and sinus membranes. Churg-Strauss syndrome, a rare disease that causes the inflammation of blood vessels. Family history also may play a role. There's some evidence that certain genetic variations associated with immune system function make you more likely to develop nasal polyps

Nasal polyps can cause complications because they block normal airflow and fluid drainage, and also because of the chronic inflammation underlying their development. Potential complications include: Obstructive sleep apnea - In this potentially serious condition, you stop and start breathing frequently during sleep.  Asthma flare-ups - Chronic rhinosinusitis can aggravate asthma. Sinus infections - Nasal polyps can make you more susceptible to sinus infections that recur often or become chronic.

DEVIATED NASAL SEPTUM (DNS)

Nasal septum deviation or deviated nasal septum (DNS) is a common physical disorder of the nose, involving a displacement of the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall that separates the left and right nostrils.

A deviated septum occurs when nasal septum is displaced to one side. It can be caused by: A condition present at birth. In some cases, a deviated septum occurs during fetal development and is apparent at birth. Injury to the nose. A deviated septum can also be the result of an injury that causes the nasal septum to be moved out of position. In infants, such an injury may occur during childbirth. In children and adults, a wide array of accidents may lead to a nose injury and deviated septum — from tripping on a step to colliding with another person on the sidewalk. Trauma to the nose most commonly occurs during contact sports, active play or roughhousing, or automobile accidents.

The normal aging process may affect nasal structures, worsening a deviated septum over time. Also, changes in the amount of swelling of nasal tissues, because of developing rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, can accentuate the narrowing of a nasal passage from a deviated septum, resulting in nasal obstruction.

The most common symptom of a deviated septum is nasal congestion, with one side of the nose being more congested than the other. Due to this affected person may suffer from difficulty in  breathing.  Obstruction of one or both nostrils. This obstruction can make it difficult to breathe through the nostril or nostrils. This may be more noticeable when you have a cold (upper respiratory tract infection) or allergies that can cause your nasal passages to swell and narrow.

Recurrent  sinus infections is one of the effect  of a deviated septum. Affected person may get  frequent nosebleeds, pain in the sinus areas due to Sinusitis, headaches ,postnasal drip,  snoring during sleep. Headache  -  Sinusital headache secondary to obstruction to drainage of sinuses. Neurological headache when septum touches a sensitive part on the lateral wall of the nose.

Nose bleeding - Little area the deviated side of the septum is exposed to atmospheric directly predisposing to drying and crusting of mucosa and tendency to pick the nose.

A deviated septum may also cause sleep apnea, a condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep.  Again due to which a person doesn’t get enough deep sleep due to which  suffers from symptoms like fatigue, improper digestion, hyperacidity etc. 

Deformity of external nose. Secondary hypertrophy of turbinate. Frequent or recurring sinus infections. Recurrent rhinitis i.e. nose.

Complications includes  Recurrent sinusitis due to obstruction to drainage of sinus. Middle ear infection due to forcible blockening of nose or recurrent upper respiratory infection. Mouth breathing causing infection of pharynx, larynx, trachebronchial tree. Asthma: DNS acts as trigger for bronchospasm. Atrophic rhinitis on the root side of nose.

You may be able to prevent the injuries to your nose that can cause deviated septum with these precautions: Wear a helmet when playing contact sports, such as football and hockey.  Wear a seat belt when riding in a motorized vehicle

HOME REMEDIES

• Garlic is one of the best home remedies for reducing nasal congestion. Its antiviral and antifungal properties help fight the respiratory infection causing congestion. Boil two to three garlic cloves in one cup of water. You may also mix in one-half teaspoon of turmeric powder. Drink it daily until the congestion clears. Eating fresh garlic cloves can also help relieve stuffiness and discomfort.
• Apple cider vinegar can quickly clear a stuffy nose as it helps thin the mucus. Plus, being rich in several nutrients, it is also good for your overall health and immunity.Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm water. Drink this two or three times a day at least for a few days.
• Inhalation therapy is another popular home remedy for instant relief from nasal congestion. It works as a natural expectorant to clear the congestion and also lubricates the irritated respiratory tract. You can do this two to four times a day.
• Nasal irrigation with saline solution can also be used to treat nasal congestion. It helps wash away the mucus and irritants from the nasal passages. Mix one teaspoon of salt in two cups of distilled warm water. Use this solution for nasal irrigation using a neti pot or some other irrigation device. Repeat once or twice daily for a few days.
• Eucalyptus oil is highly beneficial for those suffering from nasal congestion, thanks to its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply put one or two drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a fresh handkerchief and inhale the aroma. Do this a few times a day.You can also use eucalyptus essential oil on your pillow so you can get the benefits of this oil even when you are in deep sleep.
• When suffering from nasal congestion, it is important to aid a steady flow of mucus through your nasal passages. Warm water can be of great help in this regard. It will also keep the nasal passages moist and prevent them from drying out.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

The Homoeopathic treatment for blocked nose is very effective in removing nasal blockage. Homoeopathy has a great & valuable role in treating Nasal obstruction by enhancing or improving one’s Immune Power. The Homoeopathic medicines, which are made of natural substances and are completely safe with no side effects, are very capable and competent in the treatment of a blocked nose. The Homoeopathic medicines are decidedly more effective than nasal sprays and decongestants. The most suitable Homoeopathic remedies are chosen after looking at and analysing the symptoms in each individual. The symptoms that are taken note of are the side of nose blockage, the time at which the blockage is at its peak, peculiar worsening and relieving factors, any alteration of blockage with nasal discharges, the character of nasal discharge and sneezing. Associated symptoms taken into consideration before deciding on the best Homoeopathic remedy are headache or any effect on ears of a patient with blocked nose.

Indicated Remedies	Indications
Allium cepa	Sneezing, especially when entering a warm room. Copious, watery and extremely acrid discharge. Feeling of a lump at root of nose. Hay-fever. [Sabad.; Sil.; Psor.]. Fluent coryza with headache, cough, and hoarseness. Polypus. Catarrhal headache, mostly in forehead; worse in warm room towards evening. < evening, warm room. > open air, cold room.
Arsenic Album	Coryza with thin, watery, excoriating discharge. Nose feels stopped up. Sneezing withoutrelief. Hay-fever and coryza; worse in open air; better indoors. Burning and bleeding from nose. Headaches relieves by cold, other symptoms worse.< wet weather, after midnight; from cold, cold drinks, or food. Seashore. Right side. > from heat; from head elevated; warm drinks.
Arum Triphyllum	Acridity is the keynote of the kind of action characteristic of Arum. Soreness of nostrils. Acrid, excoriating discharge,producing raw sores. Nose obstructed; must breathe through mouth. Boring in the nose. Coryza; discharge blood-streaked, watery. Nose completely stopped, with fluent, acrid discharge. Hay-fever, with pain over root of nose. Large scabs high up on right side of nose. Face feels chapped, as if from cold wind; feels hot. Constant picking at nose until it bleeds. Headache from too warm clothing, from hot coffee. < northwest wind, lying down.
Arundo	A remedy for catarrhal states & Hay-fever. Hay-fever begins with burning and itching of palate and conjunctiva. Annoying itching in the nostrils and roof of the mouth. Coryza; loss of smell. Sneezing, itching of nostrils.
Aurum Mettalicum	Indicated for Ulcerated, painful, swollen, obstructed nose. Inflammation of nose; caries; fetid discharge, purulent, bloody. Boring pains in nose; worse at night. Putrid smell from nose. Sensitive smell. Horrible odor from nose and mouth. Knobby tip of nose. < in cold weather when getting cold. Many complaints come on only in winter; from sunset to sunrise
Euphrasia	Patient is better in open air. Catarrhal affections of mucous membranes especially of eyes and nose. Profuse acrid lachrymation and bland coryza; worse, evening. Hawking up of offensive mucus. < in evening, indoors, warmth; south winds; from light.
Ferrum Phos	Useful medicine for first stage of colds in the head. Predisposition to colds. Epistaxis; bright red blood. The typical Ferr.phos subject is nervous, sensitive, anemic with the false plethora and easy flushing of Ferrum. Indicted in pale, anaemic subjects, with violent local congestions. Haemorrhages are bright from any orifice. < at night and 4 to 6 p.m.; touch, jar, motion, right side. > by cold applications.
Kali Iod	The profuse, watery, acrid coryza that the drug produces serves as a sure guiding symptom, especially when associated with pain in frontal sinus. Violent headache in which pain intense over eyes and root of nose. Nose is red, swollen. Tip of nose red; profuse, acrid, hot, watery, thin discharge. Ozaena, with perforated septum. Sneezing. Nasal catarrh, involving frontal sinus. Stuffiness and dryness of nose, without discharge. Profuse, cool, greenish, unirritating discharges. < warm clothing, warm room, at night, damp weather. > motion, open air.
Merc Sol	Useful for Cold & Coryza in which there is much sneezing, in sunshine. Coryza; acrid discharge, but too thick to run down the lip; worse, warm room. Nostrils raw, ulcerated; nasal bones swollen. Yellow-green, fetid, pus like discharge. Pain and swelling of nasal bones, and caries, with greenish fetid ulceration. Nosebleed < at night. Copious discharge of corroding mucus. < at night, wet, damp weather, lying on right side, perspiring; warm room and warm bed.
Natrum Mur	Useful for violent, fluent coryza, lasting from one to three days, then changing into stoppage of nose, making breathing difficult. Discharge thin and watery, like raw white of egg. Violent sneezing coryza. Infallible for stopping a cold commencing with sneezing. Loss of smell and taste. Internal soreness of nose. Dryness. Frontal sinus inflammation. < noise, music, warm room, lying down about 10 a. m;, at seashore, mental exertion, consolation, heat, talking. > by open air, cold bathing, going without regular meals, lying on right side; pressure against back, tight clothing.
Nux Vomica	Indicated for stuffing up of nose < at night especially. Also useful for Stuffy colds, snuffles, after exposure to dry, cold atmosphere; worse, in warm room. Coryza is fluent in daytime; stuffed up at night and outdoors; or alternates between nostrils. Bleeding in morning. Acrid discharge, but with stuffed up feeling. Frontal headache, with desire to press the head against something.< morning, mental exertion, after eating, touch, spices, stimulants, narcotics, dry weather, cold.> from a nap, if allowed to finish it; in evening, while at rest, in damp, wet weather, strong pressure.
Silicea	There is Itching at point of nose. Dry, hard crusts form, bleeding when loosened. Nasal bones sensitive. Sneezing in morning. Obstructed and loss of smell. Perforation of septum. Headache in which pain begins at occiput, and spreads over head and settles over eyes. Silica patient is cold, chilly, hugs the fire, wants plenty warm clothing, hates drafts, hands and feet cold, worse in winter. Great sensitiveness to taking cold.< new moon, in morning, from washing, during menses, uncovering, lying down, damp, lying on, left side, cold.> warmth, wrapping up head, summer; in wet or humid weather
Syphilinum	Indicated for Caries of nasal bones, hard palate and septum, with perforation; ozaena.< at night, sundown to sunrise, seashore, in summer.> inland and mountains, during day, moving about slowly.