When a baby is teething, it is natural to want to reach for anything that promises relief, but some popular teething products carry real safety risks. The safest approach is also the simplest: gentle pressure and cold, not medicated gels or jewellery. Regulators including the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have warned about specific products, while the most effective comfort comes from low cost, low risk measures any parent can use at home.
Key takeaways
- Benzocaine teething gels are not for use in young children due to a rare but serious blood risk.
- Amber teething necklaces carry choking and strangulation warnings and lack evidence they work.
- Some natural teething gels have been recalled over harmful ingredients.
- Cold, clean teething rings and gentle gum rubbing are safe and effective.
- Always check with your pharmacist or dentist before giving any medicated product.
Products to be cautious about
Benzocaine teething gels
Some over the counter gels contain benzocaine, a local anaesthetic. In rare cases benzocaine can cause methaemoglobinaemia, a serious condition that reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. In Australia, benzocaine oral gels such as some adult toothache products are not intended for use in children, and overseas regulators have issued strong warnings against using them for teething. The TGA has noted it monitors these international warnings. The simple message is to avoid benzocaine gels in babies and young children.
Amber teething necklaces
These are marketed as a natural remedy, but there is no reliable evidence they relieve teething. More importantly, the ACCC has issued a public warning after testing found some could break into small parts that pose a choking hazard to children under 3, and there have been reports of strangulation. A product worn around a baby's neck carries risks that outweigh any unproven benefit.
Some natural and homeopathic gels
Being labelled natural does not guarantee safety. A range of teething products has been recalled after concerns about harmful ingredients such as belladonna at higher than stated levels. Always read labels and check with a pharmacist.
Safe ways to soothe teething
The good news is that the most effective comfort measures are also the safest, and they cost very little. The table below sets out reliable options.
| Method | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Chilled (not frozen) teething ring | Cold and firm pressure numb and soothe sore gums |
| Clean finger or cold spoon | Gentle gum rubbing eases discomfort |
| Cold washcloth to chew | Safe texture and cold for the baby to gnaw on |
| Comfort and distraction | Cuddles and play reduce fussiness |
| Pain relief if needed | Infant paracetamol, on pharmacist or doctor advice |
Avoid anything frozen solid, which can be too hard, and never tie a teether around the neck. If your baby seems unwell with a high fever, that is not teething itself and should be checked by a doctor. For everyday care, our guide to cleaning baby and toddler teeth explains how to look after new teeth as they appear.
When to see a dentist
Teething usually does not need a dental visit, but it is a good prompt to start thinking about your child's first check. A first dental visit is recommended around the first birthday or when the first tooth appears, as covered in our guide to a child's first dental visit. If a baby is born with a tooth, see our guide to natal and neonatal teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Are teething gels safe for babies?
Avoid benzocaine gels in babies and young children. For any medicated product, check first with a pharmacist or doctor, and favour simple cold comfort measures.
Do amber teething necklaces work?
There is no reliable evidence they relieve teething, and they carry choking and strangulation warnings. They are best avoided.
What is the safest thing for teething pain?
A chilled teething ring, a clean finger or cold washcloth to chew, and comfort. Infant paracetamol can help if advised by a pharmacist or doctor.
Can teething cause a high fever?
Teething may cause mild irritability and a slightly raised temperature, but a true high fever is not caused by teething and should be assessed by a doctor.
How long does teething last?
Each tooth tends to cause discomfort for a few days around when it comes through. The overall teething period stretches across the first couple of years.
The takeaway
The safest teething relief is also the simplest. Avoid benzocaine gels and amber necklaces, both of which carry safety warnings, and be cautious with natural products that have been recalled. Cold, clean teething rings, gentle gum pressure and comfort do the job well. For advice on your child's teeth, contact the team at Lumi Dental or see our current deals page. This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your pharmacist or doctor about a specific product.
