Dantodbhava Janya Vikara: Ayurvedic Understanding and Contemporary Evidence on Teething Problems

Abstract

Teething, the eruption of the deciduous teeth, is a normal developmental process that is widely believed by caregivers to cause a range of troublesome symptoms in infants. Ayurveda describes this period under the concept of Dantodbheda and recognises a group of disorders arising during dentition, termed Dantodbhava janya vikara, while contemporary paediatrics continues to debate which symptoms can legitimately be attributed to teething. This paper reviews the Ayurvedic understanding of teething-related disorders alongside contemporary evidence, with the aim of clarifying convergences, divergences, and implications for safe care. A structured review of the classical Ayurvedic texts and of the modern paediatric and dental literature was undertaken. The classical texts, particularly the Kashyapa and Sushruta Samhitas, describe the timing of eruption and a set of local and systemic manifestations — including Jvara, Atisara, Kasa, Chhardi, and Aruchi — that are generally regarded as self-limiting and as resolving after eruption. Contemporary studies, including a meta-analysis, indicate that eruption is associated with mild local signs such as gingival irritation, drooling, and irritability, and with a slight rise in temperature, but not with high fever or serious illness. Both traditions converge on a largely supportive, reassurance-based approach and caution against attributing serious illness to teething. The review highlights the value of integrating classical insight with contemporary evidence for the safe management of teething problems.

KEYWORDS: Dantodbheda, Dantodbhava janya vikara, Teething, Tooth eruption, Kaumarabhritya, Ayurveda, Infant, Paediatrics