Teething Symptoms and Home Remedies
Many pediatricians, scientists, researchers and parents have disagreed about the concept of teething, but any parent of a little one will tell you that whether or not it?s just a coincidence their babies are miserable when their teeth start coming in.
Teething 101
When newborns are born they have ?teeth buds? just under the gums, and while there is no set time that those teeth will begin to appear, typically their first tooth will begin to break through between five and seven months. Some infants can begin teething as early as 3 months and some as late as 9 months to even a year.?
Typically the incisors (top and bottom middle teeth) appear between the ages of six to seven months. Between the ages of 7 to 9 months the incisors will come in on each side of those first teeth that appeared. Around the age of 8 months, a baby may have 8 teeth. The first molars begin to break through at 10 to 14 months and the canines at 15 to 18 months. Finally, the second molars will come in typically between the ages of 2 to 3 years.
Teething Symptoms
Many experts actually disagree about whether or not teething even has symptoms, but most parents report unique
changes prior to the appearance of their infant?s teeth. For instance, when a baby is teething their saliva production increases. This has caused many symptoms including drooling, which can sometimes cause a rash on their chin, coughing or gagging on the excess saliva and loose bowels due to swallowing that excess saliva.
Additional teething symptoms can be irritability or a desire to gnaw on anything within grasp. The pressure of the tooth trying to break through the gums can cause discomfort leading to irritability. Many babies instinctively reach for something to gnaw on as pressure on the gums will sometimes counteract the pressure caused by the teeth.
Over-the-Counter?
?Recognizing that there really isn?t anything that can be done medically is little comfort to a parent who is dealing with a fussy, cranky, miserable little baby. The first thing to understand is that there are natural, holistic choices, and it is never going to be necessary to resort to pain relievers or gum-numbing agents. These items can actually do more harm than good, and aspirin should never be given to a baby even to rub on their gums, as it has been linked with the potentially deadly disease, Reye?s Syndrome.
??Acetaminophen should also never be used, as the long-term effects of the chemicals in pain relievers on infants have not been recorded. With regards to gum-numbing agents, while they have been found to be effective, it may be potentially dangerous. Popular pediatrician, Dr. Sears says on his website, ?We do not recommend commercial gum-numbing substances because it is difficult to learn their exact contents and find research that validates their safety.? ??
Alternative Relief
?The only over-the-counter teething treatment approved by homeopathic and holistic professionals are teething tablets. Designed specifically to help babies with their teething symptoms, these tables dissolve immediately in the mouth and naturally relieve swelling and pain. Additionally, there are many home remedies that can help to relieve pressure, pain and discomfort. The first thing to understand is that the baby?s gums are sore and aching. A sharp tooth is trying to push through the gums and this is what is causing the discomfort and resultant fussiness. Anything that will counter-balance that pressure is going to bring relief. Many parents have reported that a clean wet washcloth put in the freezer for a short time, then given to the baby to gnaw on brings welcome relief. The cloth can be dipped in water or strong chamomile tea. The choice of tea adds a calming agent and is soothing to an infant?s tummy. Similarly, a frozen banana given to the baby will give them something natural to gnaw on. Any item that might be used by the parent should be monitored to not be so small that the child could choke on. Ice in a sandwich bag, then wrapped in a cloth works well, and for the older child already eating solid foods, cold soft foods such as applesauce or diced papaya can bring relief.??
Other Home Remedies
?Although in Europe the use of an Amber necklace has been used, it has recently become more popular in North America. This fossilization of resin of ancient trees is touted to have natural calming, relaxing and analgesic properties. Dr. Feder, a holistic medical doctor, recommends several homeopathic remedies; belladonna for teething accompanied by sudden fever, calcarea carbonica for chubby and sweaty babies especially while nursing or during sleep, calcarea phosphorica for delayed teething and chamomilla for swollen, inflamed and tender gums. ??
The Chiropractic Factor
It?s important to not interfere with the natural routine of teething. Every child is different, but teething has been proven to be hereditary. If an infant?s parents? first tooth appeared when they were three months, then it?s safe to assume this will be generational. It?s not even unusual for a baby to be born with a tooth already in place. Recognizing the body?s innate ability to work as it was designed, DeMoss Chiropractic.
Chiropractic and Allergies
Spring, summer, fall, and winter comprise the seasons of the annual calendar. Millions of people would identify allergy season as the agonizing fifth season of their personal calendars. Seasonal allergies arrive in the form of sleep troubles, itchy eyes, mucous, and congestion among other uncomfortable and annoying symptoms.
Most medical schools, doctors, and medical literature assert the assumption that pollen serves as the primary cause of seasonal allergies. Doctors prescribe antihistamine drugs as a solution and millions of dollars change hands in exchange for temporary relief that comes at the expense of money and potentially dangerous side effects. A huge piece of the puzzle goes overlooked in this transaction. Why do some people suffer from allergies while other people go unaffected?
The medical model presents a cycle of annual dependence on drugs in order to allow people freedom from symptoms that complicate the simplest of daily tasks. The Chiropractic model insists on fixing the cause of the issue in order to focus on a result-based outcome that improves health and vitality. If ten people walked through a windblown field of pollen, statistics state that only three would be afflicted with allergy-type symptoms. Pollen does not cause seasonal allergies or all ten people would experience an allergic reaction. Every person possesses an ability to encounter and filter potential allergy stressors like pollen. People who encounter the same stimulus without succumbing to allergy symptoms simply react and adapt to pollen differently through the function and health of the systems working within the body. Health and function receive direction from the central nervous system.
The central nervous system directs the immune system?s ability to adapt to outside stressors like pollen and cat dander. The spine maintains an intimate relationship with the central nervous system and improved function of the spine provides a venue for the healing of various diseases and afflictions. A 2010 study determined that patients receiving Chiropractic care experienced higher levels of immune-producing antibodies in their blood. These antibodies help minimize the effects of allergy inducing agents.
The central nervous system serves as the health mainframe for every person regardless of age, gender, or race. Chiropractors commit to the health and function of the spine in order to unlock the health potential in every patient. Everyone in a community experiences the same allergy stressors. Those equipped with healthy nervous systems carry an added advantage. Chiropractic patients across the world experience improvement or resolution in allergy symptoms after a period of adjustments that enable restoration of spinal health and nervous system function.
Drugs do not heal or fix the cause of allergies. People suffering from seasonal allergies deserve a solution that does not promote dependence on pills and medicine that only provide temporary relief and do so at the expense of harmful side effects. Chiropractic provides a safe, drugless solution to the cause of dysfunction that contributes to allergy symptoms and a long list of other ailments. Chiropractic works.
Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010
?Interleukin 2-regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects?
Julita A Teodorczyk-Injeyan, Marion McGregor, Richard Ruegg, H Stephen Injeyan
This article was provided by TCA Support. Subscribe to their chiropractic newsletter here: http://chiropracticadvocate.com
Sugar Sugar
Sugar Sugar
When envisioning October, you may imagine crisp leaves, pumpkin-flavored-everything, or the frenzy of Halloween costume ideas and plans. But there?s something else a little troubling also synonymous with October: candy.
Whether it?s the 3-pound bags popping up at Costco or the bowl of sweet treats sitting atop the receptionist?s desk; candy in the month of October is nearly inescapable. But what is the harm of one bite-size Snicker every so often? Sure, sugar in moderation is an acceptable stance and a fantastic first step toward reducing sugar intake. However, it?s the sugar-centric Halloween traditions of excess that we should be cautious of; in other words, when bite-size becomes much more.
According to the American Heart Association, children should not be consuming any more than four teaspoons of sugar per day, this equates to about 80 grams (which is arguably far too much in and of itself).
It doesn?t take a seasoned parent to realize that this recommendation is exceeded within minutes of traditional Halloween festivities.
Sugar-centric traditions tend to consume Halloween, but there are fun alternatives for sugar-conscious families. Consider visiting a local pumpkin patch in your costumes or watching some Halloween movies of yesteryear at home with healthy treats. There are also opportunities to donate candy to Americans in the armed forces through Operation Gratitude. This provides a fun chance for kids to give back while still participating in traditional Halloween festivities.
Don?t forget to stop by DeMoss Chiropractic on Thursday, October 29th from 3:30-6:30pm for our annual Halloween party. Be sure to wear a costume!
Watermelon Health Facts and Refreshing Recipe!
It?s Watermelon season which means watermelons at your local market are juicier and less expensive than ever! Did you know that this summer favorite has many health benefits! You Can Eat the Rind: The rind contains health-promoting and blood-building chlorophyll and even contains more citrulline (amino acid) than the pink flesh! Throw it in the blender with your morning smoothie for some easy health benefits! It Lives Up to Its Name: Watermelon is more than 91 percent water. This means that eating watermelon with you on a hot summer day is a tasty way to help you stay hydrated and avoid dehydration when supplemented with plenty of water. Try this recipe for a yummy summer Watermelon drink!
Ingredients:
- 8-10 strawberries
- 1 cup watermelon, cut and cubed
- 1/4 peeled cucumber
Instructions:
- Cut your watermelon into large cubes and remove the rind.
- Peel and cut your cucumber into large pieces.
- Put all ingredients in your blender
- Pour contents into a glass and refrigerate for 1 hour (it definitely tastes best when cold!)
- Enjoy
Sun Safety!
2015 was the hottest year on record and experts says 2016 will bring even more heat.
Now more than ever, we need to actively work on protecting ourselves and our families from the damaging effects of the seemingly unending heatwave here in California.
Before discussing solutions, let?s talk about skin cancer. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when un-repaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations or genetic defects.
Only a few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person?s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer.
Sunlight is our best source of Vitamin D, which is vital for metabolism regulation, boost our immune system, and growing strong bones. Over 1 billion people are deficient in this imperative vitamin, so avoiding the sun altogether is not an option.
So what changes can you and your family implement to be safe from the sun this summer?
Clothing: Sun shirts and sun hats are a great option as a first line of defense. In seconds half of the body is covered and safe from burns. They also cover the most commonly burned areas: shoulders, backs, and faces.
Planning: Have you heard of Safe Sun Hours? Safe Sun Hours (in California) are before 10am and after 3pm. During these hours you?ll find the sun isn?t beaming down on you the same way it would be at noon. During these time periods our skin is also much less susceptible to sun damage.
Choose the Right Sunscreen: Nearly every conventional sunscreen is bad for you and many ?green? sunscreen brands can be worse. It?s important to keep an eye on your sunscreen’s active ingredients and familiarize yourself with dangerous chemicals with apps like Think Dirty, which allows you to scan barcodes and give any and every product a grade based on levels of toxicity.
At DeMoss Chiropractic, we host health and lifestyle workshops monthly that are meant to keep you informed and healthy. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website for updates regarding upcoming health and wellness workshops held within our practice.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 6
- Next Page »