Delayed Teething in Babies

Dear Parents,

It's common for questions and concerns to arise as your baby grows, and one of the most frequent topics is teething. While it's natural to compare your child's development to that of their peers, it's important to understand that the timeline for teething can vary significantly from one baby to another.

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The Ayurvedic View 🌱

According to Ayurveda, the teeth are an upadhatu (sub-tissue) of Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue). The development and eruption of teeth are governed by the balance of the body's fundamental energies. When these energies are out of balance, it can affect the normal timeline of development, including teething.

• Asthi Dhatu Imbalance: Teeth are considered a sub-tissue of Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue). Delayed teething is often linked to a weakness in this tissue or an excess of Vata dosha, which can lead to dryness and slow down the process of tooth eruption.
  
  
• Prakriti (Constitutional Type): Ayurveda emphasizes that every individual is born with a unique Prakriti, or constitutional type. A baby's Prakriti can influence their developmental milestones. Just as some babies are naturally more energetic (Pitta) or calmer (Kapha), their physical development, including the timing of teething, can also follow a unique, natural pace.
  
  
• Poshana (Nourishment): Proper nourishment is considered crucial for healthy development. This includes the mother's diet during pregnancy and lactation, as well as the baby's diet. Ayurveda suggests that a diet rich in milk, ghee, and other nourishing foods is essential for building strong Asthi Dhatu.
  
  

Key Factors and Remedies

While modern medicine primarily looks at factors like genetics and nutrition, Ayurveda also considers the subtle energy and a holistic approach. Here are some key points from an Ayurvedic perspective:

• Focus on Diet: Ensure the mother's diet is healthy and balanced if she is breastfeeding. For babies who have started solids, a diet that supports bone health is encouraged.
  
  
• Gentle Massage: Gently massaging the baby's gums with a clean finger dipped in a little warm, pure ghee, coconut oil or Honey is a common Ayurvedic practice. This is believed to soften the gums, soothe the area, and promote blood circulation, which aids in the natural eruption of teeth.
  
  
• Herbal Support: Certain herbs are traditionally used to support oral health and soothe teething discomfort. While it's crucial to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using any herbal remedies, some commonly mentioned ones include:
  • For Diarrhea: Remedies focus on restoring the digestive fire, often with herbs that have a drying and binding quality, such as ginger or fennel.
    
  • For Pain and Inflammation: Gentle gum massage with a soothing agent like ghee, coconut oil or honey is recommended.
    
    
  • For Overall Discomfort: The focus is on calming the aggravated doshas through diet and gentle care, such as providing comfort, a calm environment, and appropriate nourishment.
    
  • Yashtimadhu (Licorice):  A small piece of licorice root can be given to a baby to chew on, as it has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. Always consult an Ayurvedic pediatrician, before using any herbs.
    
    
  • Tulsi (Holy Basil): Due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, a very mild infusion of tulsi leaves can be gently applied to the gums. 
    

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, views teething not just as a mechanical process of teeth eruption, but as a significant developmental phase that affects the entire body. Symptoms that arise during this period are collectively known as Dantodbhedjanya Vyadhi, or "diseases arising from tooth eruption."

According to Ayurvedic principles, the process of teething can disturb the balance of a baby's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), leading to a variety of symptoms.

Common Symptoms from an Ayurvedic Perspective:

Ayurveda acknowledges many of the same symptoms recognized by modern medicine, but it provides a different explanation for their occurrence.

• Irritability and Fussiness: This is a key symptom caused by the aggravation of Vata dosha, which is associated with pain, movement, and the nervous system. The discomfort of the erupting tooth causes restlessness and unease.
  
  
• Excessive Drooling: This is a manifestation of an increase in Kapha dosha. Kapha is related to bodily fluids and phlegm. The increased saliva production is a natural bodily response, but an excess can lead to a Kapha imbalance.
  
  
• Diarrhoea (Atisar): This is a very common symptom noted in Ayurvedic texts. It's believed to be caused by the swallowing of excessive saliva, which can disturb the digestive fire (agni) and increase the motility of the gut. It's also linked to the imbalance of the doshas, particularly Vata, which governs movement.
  
  
• Low-Grade Fever (Jwara): Ayurveda notes that a mild fever can occur. This is not seen as an illness but as a temporary vitiation of the Pitta dosha, which is related to heat and metabolism. The body's energy is being directed towards the developmental process of teething, which can create internal heat.
  
  
• Coughing (Kasa) and Runny Nose: These symptoms are also linked to an increase in Kapha dosha. The excessive drooling and saliva can cause a cough or gag, and the overall Kapha imbalance can lead to minor respiratory symptoms.
  
  
• Reduced Appetite: The pain and discomfort in the gums can make it difficult and painful for the baby to eat, leading to a temporary loss of appetite.
  
  
• Swollen Gums: This is a local symptom and is seen as an inflammatory response. The firmness of the gums is a result of the pressure from the tooth, and the redness is due to the vitiation of Pitta dosha.

 

Ayurvedic View on Symptom Management

Ayurveda's approach to these symptoms is to gently restore the balance of the doshas. It focuses on symptomatic and supportive care, rather than suppressing the natural process of teething. The philosophy is that since teething is a natural milestone, the body should be supported to get through it.

 

Symptomatic Relief: Ayurveda acknowledges that teething can be a period of discomfort, with symptoms like fussiness, refusing for feeds, increased salivation, sore or swollen gums,  mild fever, and diarrhoea. Instead of seeing these as separate illnesses, they are viewed as a temporary imbalance caused by the vitiation of doshas. Remedies are aimed at managing these symptoms holistically.

 

In conclusion, while the sight of a new tooth is an exciting milestone, please remember that your baby is on their own unique schedule. The Ayurvedic view of delayed teething is a gentle and holistic one. It encourages parents to see it as a natural variation in a child's development, often linked to their unique constitution (Prakriti) and the balance of their body's energies. The focus is on providing gentle nourishment and care, rather than a cause for major concern, while always recommending consultation with an Ayurvedic pediatrician for personalized guidance.

 

With Loads of Smiles and Giggles

Vaidya Shweta Verma