Should You Use Teething Tablets?

By: Jenney Cheever

You may have heard about teething tablets from fellow parents. You may be wondering if they would be a good choice for your baby. While many pediatricians are skeptical about the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies, there are many parents who are firm believers in this safe remedy for teething pain.

Teething Tablet Ingredients
Two of the most popular brands of teething tablets, Hyland's and Little Remedies, are sold in pharmacies, natural food stores and online. Both of these contain a homeopathic blend of Calcarea Phosphorica (Calcium Phosphate) 3X HPUS, Chamomilla (Chamomile) 3X HPUS, Coffea Cruda (Coffee) 3X HPUS, Belladonna 3X HPUS. These extreme dilutions work on the homeopathic principle of the Law of Similars: like cures like. The idea is that substances that in high doses will cause symptoms in healthy people can, in extremely dilute doses, cure those symptoms in one who is ailing.

Both Hyland's and Little Remedies teething tablets are combination remedies, with different homeopathic dilutions for teething, irritability, wakefulness and inflammation. Some parents find that a single remedy, just chamomilla, for example, works better for their child's symptoms.

Safe to Use
One of the most appealing things about teething tablets is their safety. Because of the extreme dilutions of substances used in homeopathic remedies, there are no unpleasant side effects. Teething tablets are completely safe and non-toxic. The only possible concern is if your child is lactose intolerant, as the active ingredients in teething tablets are in a base of lactose.

The great controversy of homeopathy is that no one knows how or why it works. Many skeptics don't believe it works at all. Studies on the subject are mixed. It is generally agreed that homeopathic remedies are completely safe, but there is much disagreement regarding the effectiveness of these remedies. However, many parents claim that teething tablets have been quite effective for calming and soothing their teething children.

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