Teething pain

Teething occurs as teeth emerge through the gums, creating pressure beneath sensitive tissue that can lead to soreness alongside localised inflammation.

In infants, this commonly happens during the eruption of primary teeth. Increased dribbling is often noticed, while some babies become more unsettled or seek pressure against the gums through chewing toys, teethers or chilled foods.

Adults may also experience teething pain, most commonly during the eruption or partial impaction of wisdom teeth. Because the adult jaw is fully developed, limited space can cause wisdom teeth to emerge at awkward angles or remain partially trapped beneath the gum line.

Some infants become clingier during feeds or wake more often overnight. Others repeatedly chew objects because firm pressure against the gums may temporarily ease discomfort.

For adults, wisdom tooth pain may present as throbbing jaw discomfort, swelling around the back molars or tenderness, usually near partially erupted teeth.

Chamomile for calming gum irritation

Chamomile is widely used within traditional teething remedies because of its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Licensed herbal preparations together with homeopathic formulations frequently incorporate chamomile to help soothe infant teething discomfort.

Cooling support for infant teething discomfort

Cooling therapies are commonly introduced for infants because cold temperatures may help calm inflamed gum tissue. Refrigerated cucumber, melon or banana placed within a silicone or mesh feeder can therefore provide gentle pressure against tender gums for babies who have already started solids.

Adult wisdom tooth support and topical relief

For adults experiencing wisdom tooth discomfort, supportive remedies are often more targeted. Clove contains eugenol, a compound with natural local anaesthetic properties, and diluted clove oil may therefore provide temporary soothing relief when blended into a suitable carrier oil before application. c is also naturally antiseptic (1)

Warm saltwater rinses are also frequently recommended because they may help reduce bacterial buildup while easing pressure around inflamed gum tissue. Peppermint together with diluted oregano oil are similarly used within topical preparations because of their cooling or antimicrobial properties (2). Please always dilute essential oils before you use them.   

Nutritional therapists sometimes recommend specialised tissue salts, like Calc Phos to support healthy tooth mineralisation throughout development.

Mineral rich foods containing calcium, magnesium, Vitamin A and Vitamin D are likewise encouraged during infancy and early childhood to support healthy tooth development (3).

For infants, persistent fever, diarrhoea, unusual lethargy or severe distress should not automatically be assumed to result from teething. In such cases, urgent medical attention may be required.

For adults, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or restricted jaw movement may indicate a more serious wisdom tooth infection requiring prompt dental care.