Which teething remedies are safe for babies?

Teething is one of the first uncomfortable milestones your baby will go through, and it can be hard to watch. Most babies start teething at around 6 months, though some begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12. The process is normal and temporary, but the drooling, fussiness and sore gums can leave parents searching for anything that might help.

The good news is that the safest remedies are also the simplest. The bad news is that some widely marketed products carry real risks. Here is what the evidence says.

What the NHS recommends

The NHS teething advice focuses on a handful of straightforward, low-risk approaches:

• Teething rings. A firm rubber teething ring gives your baby something safe to chew on. You can cool it in the fridge first to help soothe sore gums. Never put a teething ring in the freezer (it can damage gums) and never tie one around your baby’s neck (choking risk).
• Gum rubbing. Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can ease discomfort and is one of the first things to try.
• Chilled food (from 6 months). If your baby is weaning, pieces of chilled fruit or vegetable (melon, cucumber, banana) can soothe gums. Always supervise closely to prevent choking.
• Comfort and distraction. Cuddling, playing and simply being close can distract your baby from the pain.

When to try paracetamol or ibuprofen

If your baby is still in pain after trying the measures above, the NHS says you can give a sugar-free painkilling medicine:

• Paracetamol can be given from 2 months of age
• Ibuprofen can be given from 3 months of age

Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and use products designed for babies. Never give aspirin to a child under 16. If you are unsure about the right dose or product, ask your pharmacist or health visitor.

What about teething gels?

Teething gels contain a mild local anaesthetic (usually lidocaine) and are available from pharmacies. However, the NHS notes there is a lack of evidence that they are effective and recommends trying teething rings and sugar-free painkillers first.

If you do choose to use a gel, the NHS advises making sure it is specifically designed for young children. General oral pain relief gels intended for adults are not suitable for babies.

In the UK, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) reviewed lidocaine-containing teething products and restricted them to pharmacy-only sale, with smaller pack sizes and clearer labelling. The message is clear: teething gels are a second-line option, not a first choice.

Are homeopathic teething remedies safe?

This is one of the most searched questions from new parents, and the answer from UK health authorities is clear: the NHS does not recommend homeopathic products for teething.

In the UK, some homeopathic teething products (granules, gels, pillules) are licensed by the MHRA and remain available. The MHRA has stated that these licensed products meet UK safety standards. However, the NHS still advises trying non-medicinal options and simple painkillers first.

The concern is greater with unlicensed homeopathic teething tablets sold online. In 2016, the FDA in the United States warned that some homeopathic teething tablets contained inconsistent levels of belladonna (a toxic plant extract) and were linked to serious side effects including seizures, difficulty breathing and muscle weakness in young children. The MHRA issued its own warning, advising UK parents not to buy unlicensed homeopathic products online.

The bottom line: there is no good evidence that homeopathic teething remedies work, and unlicensed products carry real safety risks. If you choose to use one, make sure it is licensed for use in the UK. But the NHS position is that they are not recommended.

Remedies to avoid

Some products and practices marketed for teething are not safe for babies:

• Amber teething necklaces and jewellery. These pose a serious choking and strangulation risk. There is no credible evidence that amber releases pain-relieving substances through the skin. Health bodies including the FDA and UK health professionals advise against them.
• Benzocaine-based gels. The FDA has warned that benzocaine (found in some US oral pain products) can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinaemia, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Benzocaine products are not commonly used for teething in the UK, but they may be available online.
• Frozen teething rings. A teething ring that has been in the freezer can become hard enough to damage a baby’s gums. Chill it in the fridge, never the freezer.
• Rusks and sugary foods. The NHS advises against rusks because nearly all brands contain sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay even in babies with only a few teeth.

How to tell if it really is teething

Teething can cause sore and red gums, increased dribbling, flushed cheeks, chewing on fingers and objects, and mild irritability. According to the NHS, teething may produce a very mild temperature (below 38°C), but it should not cause a high fever, diarrhoea, or make your baby seriously unwell.

If your baby has a temperature of 38°C or above, seems very upset or clearly unwell, do not assume it is teething. Contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999.

Common questions about baby teething remedies

Natural World Team

Independent guides to natural remedies and supplements, checked against NHS and EFSA references.