Key Takeaways
- Teething gels containing benzocaine, found in Orajel and Anbesol, or belladonna are not recommended for babies.
- If you want to try a teething gel, choose one with natural ingredients like chamomile, rosehip, or clove oil, and check with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist first.
Teething can be tough! Sore gums, drooling, a fussy baby who wants to chew on everything (including your knuckles), and a tired parent at 2am can make this phase challenging. It’s no surprise that many families turn to teething gel for relief. It’s available at the pharmacy and easy to use.
So, is teething gel safe for babies? The short answer is that it depends on the ingredients. In this guide, we’ll explain what to look for, which ingredients to avoid, and what else you can try tonight to soothe your baby’s sore gums.
What to Know About Teething Gel Ingredients
Teething gels may seem like an easy option for soothing your baby’s sore gums, but it’s important to check the ingredients before using them. Some contain substances that can cause adverse reactions in infants, such as benzocaine and belladonna.
Benzocaine has been linked to a rare condition that reduces the amount of oxygen the blood can carry, while the effects of belladonna on children under two years of age are unpredictable. Both can pose risks to babies, so neither is recommended for teething relief.
If you’d still like to try a gel, choose one made with natural ingredients like chamomile, rosehip, or clove oil. Check the label to make sure it’s intended for infants.
Most importantly, talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist before trying a new product. Your baby’s care team knows your child’s condition and health history and can help you determine which options are appropriate.
Read more: Is it Normal for a Teething Baby to Have Bleeding Gums?
Alternatives To Teething Gel for Pain Relief
- Massage the gums with a clean finger. Wash your hands, then gently press on the sore area. This can soothe your baby’s gums for a short time and may help ease fussiness.
- Offer a chilled teething toy. Choose a one-piece rubber or silicone teether and chill it in the refrigerator. Avoid freezing it, as a hard teether can bruise tender gums. Steer clear of toys with multiple pieces that could break apart. Amber teething necklaces and other items worn around the neck should also be avoided because they pose choking and strangulation risks.
- Use a damp, chilled washcloth. Wet a clean washcloth and place it in the refrigerator until cool. Let your baby chew on it. The cool temperature and texture may soothe sore gums.
- Try a mesh feeder with chilled fruit or vegetable puree. If your baby has started eating solids, a mesh feeder filled with chilled fruit or vegetable puree may provide some relief. Always supervise your baby during use to reduce the risk of choking.
- Make breast milk or formula popsicles. You can freeze a small amount of breast milk or prepared formula in a feeder or popsicle mold. Supervise your baby while using it, and avoid giving anything that could break into hard pieces.
- If nothing helps, try medication. If your baby is very uncomfortable and other methods haven’t helped, infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be an option. You can also give Ibuprofen for babies six months and older.
- We don’t generally recommend frozen celery or green onions for teething relief. They show up in plenty of online teething tips on social media, but they can break apart into pieces and become a choking hazard. Skip them!
Read more: How to Handle Biting While Breastfeeding a Teething Baby
Conclusion
Before trying any teething product, check with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. Your baby’s first dental visit should also take place when the first tooth comes in or by their first birthday, whichever happens first. These visits give us a chance to examine your baby’s teeth and answer any questions you have about teething.
And if you’re looking for a dental home for your kids in the Lafayette area, we’re here to help! We also offer pediatric dental care for families in Youngsville, Broussard, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Scott, and the Greater Acadiana area. Call us to schedule an appointment or request one online!