The Safe and Easy Way to Use Vanilla Extract for Teething

Are you looking for a natural and effective way to soothe your baby's teething pain? If so, you might be surprised that vanilla can help. Vanilla extract is not just a delicious ingredient for baking but also a powerful remedy for inflamed and sore gums. In this article, I'll show you how to safely use it as a teething remedy and explain why it works so well.

Traditional vs. Natural Remedies

Teething is a typical but challenging stage of a baby's development. It usually starts around six months and lasts until the child is three years old. During this time, your little one may experience drooling, irritability, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and fever.

While many products and methods are available to ease teething discomfort, some of them may have side effects or risks. That's why many parents prefer natural remedies that are safe, gentle, and effective. For example:

• Some over-the-counter gels contain benzocaine, which can trigger a rare but severe condition called methemoglobinemia.
• Some teething rings may contain harmful chemicals or pose a choking hazard.

One such solution is pure vanilla extract, which some have used for centuries to treat various ailments. In the following paragraphs, you'll see how it can significantly reduce gum swelling and pain, relax your baby, and improve their mood. Plus, it has a pleasant aroma and flavor that your infant will love!

How Pure Vanilla Extract Aids Teething

It can be tough to see your little one in pain during teething. But did you know that many parents have reported their babies stopping crying and becoming more relaxed (or even falling asleep) after applying vanilla extract to their gums?

It works in three ways:

• It has anti-inflammatory effects. Vanilla contains a compound called vanillin, which reduces inflammation and swelling in the gums.
• It has numbing effects. The tiny amount of alcohol acts as a mild anesthetic and helps numb the pain. More about alcohol and safety points later in this article.
• It has calming effects. Vanilla's soothing aroma and flavor can help your baby relax and sleep better. It can also lessen stress and anxiety for both you and your child.

A study conducted on rats with neuropathic pain found that vanillin was effective at reducing pain by inhibiting the production of certain pain-inducing substances.

While more research is needed to determine its effects in humans, this promising information indicates that vanilla extract might just be worth a try as a natural and effective pain reliever.

Choosing the Right Product for Your Baby

Not all vanilla extracts are the same, so it's important to choose the right product. Different types of vanilla extract exist, such as imitation, artificial, and flavoring. The main difference between them is the ingredients and the quality.

• Pure vanilla extract is only vanilla beans and a tiny amount of alcohol, without any added sugar or artificial flavors. Its rich and complex flavor enhances the taste of many dishes, especially desserts and baked goods. Pure extract is also more potent than other types, which explains why cooks can use less of it in recipes.
• Imitation and artificial vanilla are made from synthetic chemicals that mimic the appeal of vanilla. They are cheaper and more widely available than the pure product, but have lower quality and a less complexity.

Why Is Pure Vanilla Extract the Best Choice for Teething?

Because it contains the highest concentration of vanillin and alcohol, the active ingredients that help with teething pain and inflammation. It also has fewer additives or preservatives that could cause allergic reactions or irritation in your baby's gums.

Look for "pure" or "100% natural" labels, like Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract. Avoid brands that say "imitation," "artificial," or "flavoring." It's also a good idea to check the ingredients list to see if it contains only vanilla beans and alcohol.

To store, keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Refrigerating it is another good way to extend its shelf life. Be careful not to freeze or expose it to extreme temperatures, which could affect the quality.

Is Alcohol in Vanilla Extract Safe for Babies?

A tiny amount of alcohol in the product helps numb the pain and reduce the inflammation in your baby’s gums. But it makes some parents concerned about using it for their children. So, is pure vanilla extract safe for your infant's teething pain?

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• Pure vanilla extract has 35% alcohol by volume, according to the FDA. But this doesn't mean using a small amount on your baby’s gums is unsafe or harmful. The amount of alcohol your child would ingest from a drop of vanilla extract is negligible and highly unlikely to cause any adverse effects.
• The CDC states that a small amount of alcohol in breast milk is not likely to harm an infant, as long as the mother does not drink excessively or frequently. Similarly, a tiny amount of alcohol applied to the baby’s gums is not likely to cause harm, as long as the caregiver does not use it in excess.

If you have concerns about the presence of alcohol in this product, the safest and easiest way to use vanilla extract for teething in your baby is to purchase organic and alcohol-free natural vanilla.

Your little one will still benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of vanillin, and the calming effects of vanilla's aroma and flavor.

How to Apply to Your Baby’s Gums

There is no hard and fast rule for how often to use vanilla extract for teething, but many parents find that applying it sparingly several times a day is helpful. Some parents prefer to apply it before each feeding, while others find that applying it before bedtime and after naps is sufficient.

Each time, just dab a tiny amount of pure vanilla extract on your clean finger and gently rub it along the gum line of your baby's emerging teeth.

Other Important Safety Considerations

When using vanilla extract as an analgesic for babies, it is wise to take some precautions to avoid any adverse effects:

• Always use a clean finger or a fresh cotton swab.
• Be sure to only use a very small dab of vanilla extract in your baby's mouth, due to its potency.
• Test a small area of the gums first to make absolutely certain they don't negatively react to it.
• Be careful to keep the product away from the eyes, nose, and mouth, as it would be quite irritating.
• Limit the application to several times daily, preferably before feeding or sleeping.
• Always be careful and responsible when using it, and consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Swallowing a little is not likely to be harmful to your baby, but it may cause stomach upset. Try wiping the gums with a wet cloth to remove any excess product. You may also want to give your infant a small drink of water.

If you accidentally spill some on their skin, don't panic. Simply wipe it away as quickly as you can and then rinse the area with warm water and soap. If you're concerned about any adverse reaction, please call the doctor for advice.

Making the Most of Vanilla Extract's Teething Benefits

In addition to simply using pure extract alone, there are additional ways to maximize its effects to relieve your baby's teething discomfort. Try some of these ideas to soothe your baby quickly:

• While applying the product, you can relieve pressure and reduce pain by gently massaging your baby's gums with a clean finger.
• To distract your baby's mind, create a calm environment and play soothing music or background noise.
• You can further encourage a calming environment to help your little one relax and drift off to sleep by dimming the lights or making the room darker than usual.
• Use a favorite toy or pacifier as a distraction.

These methods combined allow you to create a calm environment that fosters comfort and healing during the teething process.

Final Thoughts

All babies experience teething uniquely. When they are teething, some babies cry more frequently than usual. This might be the result of discomfort and swelling in the gums before a tooth erupts. These signs typically appear three to five days before the tooth appears and go away as soon as the tooth breaks the skin.

Please check with your doctor before using any new or different products on your baby. Vanilla extract for teething babies is a quick, cheap remedy that works—the relief is usually immediate!

Sources and Further Reading

• Teething - Natural Ways to Reduce the Pain | Beaming Baby
  Some parents find that rubbing a little pure vanilla extract on the baby’s gums can soothe the crying child: this home remedy may work in three ways.
• Natural Teething Remedies | All Kids Smile Pediatric Dentistry
  Natural Teething Remedies - Is your child having fussy days followed by sleepless nights?
• Vanilla: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Uses, and More | WebMD
  Find out what nutrients are in vanilla and learn how it can help everything from sleep apnea to toothache.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your doctor before using any home remedies on your baby, especially if they have any medical conditions or allergies. Home remedies may have side effects, interactions, or contraindications that you may not be aware of. Use them at your own risk and discretion.

© 2022 Louise Fiolek