Abstract:
Dentitional diarrhoea is a frequently encountered gastrointestinal disorder in infants during the teething period. Though dentition is a physiological process, it often acts as an exciting factor precipitating diarrhoeal episodes due to increased nervous and glandular activity. Homoeopathy considers the child as a whole and treats dentitional diarrhoea through individualization based on the totality of symptoms.
This article highlights the homoeopathic concept, clinical presentation, and management of dentitional diarrhoea with emphasis on commonly indicated remedies.
Keywords: Dentitional Diarrhoea, Teething, Paediatric Homoeopathy, Chamomilla, Podophyllum.
Introduction:
Dentition is a normal developmental process occurring in infancy, usually between the ages of 6 months and 2½ years. During this period, infants may exhibit various systemic disturbances such as irritability, fever, diarrhoea, and sleep disturbances. Dentitional diarrhoea is one of the most common complaints encountered in paediatric practice.
From a homoeopathic perspective, dentition is not a disease but an exciting cause that increases the susceptibility of the child, thereby precipitating functional disturbances like diarrhoea. Homoeopathy emphasizes gentle, safe, and effective management by strengthening the child’s vital force rather than suppressing symptoms.
Concept Of Dentitional Diarrhoea In Homoeopathy:
Hahnemann recognized dentition as an exciting cause capable of producing acute manifestations in susceptible individuals. During teething, heightened nervous sensitivity and reflex intestinal irritation may lead to diarrhoea. Homoeopathy does not treat dentition per se but addresses the individual reaction of the child during this physiological phase. Therefore, remedy selection is based on:
• Totality of symptoms
• Character of stool
• Mental and emotional state
• Modalities and generals
Etiology And Pathogenesis:
The following factors contribute to dentitional diarrhoea:
• Increased salivation and swallowing
• Immature digestive system
• Reflex intestinal irritation
• Changes in diet during teething
• Heightened susceptibility of the nervous system
Clinical Feature:
• Frequent loose or watery stools
• Greenish, yellow, or offensive stools
• Undigested food particles
• Sour or fetid odour
• Abdominal colic
• Excoriation around anus
• Irritability and excessive crying
• Swollen, tender gums
• Desire to bite hard objects
• Symptoms often aggravate during daytime or early morning hours.
Homoeopathic Management:
1. Chamomilla:
• Most frequently indicated remedy in dentitional complaints
• Extremely irritable, restless child
• Green, watery, offensive stools
• One cheek red, the other pale
• Child demands to be carried
2. Podophyllum Peltatum:
• Profuse, gushing, painless diarrhoea
• Early morning aggravation (4–6 am)
• Offensive stools with undigested food
• Possible prolapse of rectum
3. Calcarea Carbonica:
• Diarrhoea during delayed dentition
• Sour-smelling stools
• Chubby, flabby children
• Profuse sweating of head during sleep
4. Magnesia Carbonica:
• Green, frothy, sour stools
• Excoriation of anus
• Diarrhoea associated with dentition
• Child craves sweets
5. Sulphur:
• Offensive diarrhoea with burning sensation
• Redness around anus
• Heat intolerance
Dietary And General Management:
• Avoidance of overfeeding
• Maintenance of hygiene
• Adequate hydration
• Continuation of breastfeeding
• Avoidance of unnecessary medications
Prognosis:
With appropriate homoeopathic intervention, dentitional diarrhoea has an excellent prognosis. Early individualized treatment prevents complications such as dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
Conclusion:
Dentitional diarrhoea is a common functional disturbance during infancy. Homoeopathy offers a holistic and safe approach by addressing the child’s increased susceptibility during teething. Individualized remedy selection not only relieves diarrhoea but also supports healthy growth and development.
References:
1. Boericke W. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica. 2. Allen HC. Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons. 3. Kent JT. Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica
