Teething Products: Options and Risks

Products meant to soothe teething pain may be putting your baby at risk.

Overview of teething

Babies do not begin teething until around 4 to 7 months of age. By age 3, they typically have their full set of 20 baby teeth. The level of discomfort caused by teething varies from child to child, but there are some telltale signs that a baby is teething:

• Excess saliva and drooling
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Appetite loss
• A slight rise in body temperature

As teeth begin to erupt, your child may have tender or sore gums. When choosing what to use to help soothe them, be sure to carefully review product information.

Teething tablets, gels and topical medications

Homeopathic teething gels and tablets may contain the plant poison belladonna. Many products advertised to reduce teething pain also contain the local anesthetic benzocaine. While these may seem to ease pain initially, they can be dangerous. The FDA has issued warnings against belladonna and benzocaine due to potential side effects.

Topical lidocaine viscous can also be harmful to infants and young children. It can cause heart problems, brain injury, seizures and even death.

Teething jewelry

Amber teething bracelets and necklaces are not recommended for teething pain. There is no research to support their effectiveness, and they can pose a risk of strangulation and choking. Teething jewelry made from other various materials (wood, marble, silicone) can also pose a dangerous risk of strangulation or choking.

Teething biscuits

Teething biscuits are not very nutritious and may contain sugar, which can increase the risk of tooth decay for erupting new teeth. You should watch your child closely to reduce the risk of choking on a chunk that may break off.

Safe remedies

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends treating teething pain by rubbing the child's gums with a clean finger or providing the child with a cold or chilled (not frozen), firm rubber teething ring. The coolness can be soothing to the gums. To prevent choking and strangulation, never put a teether around your child's neck. Avoid teethers filled with liquid because they can leak. Those that are too cold or hard may hurt your baby's mouth.

It is important to always supervise your child when providing remedies to treat teething pain. Finally, be sure to clean all teething items after each use, including toys and washcloths.

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Note: The information in this article is not meant to replace the advice of your dentist or another licensed healthcare professional. Talk to your dentist for any specific dental advice.

Sources: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-soothing-teething-pain-infants-and-children#:~:text=The%20American%20Academy%20of%20Pediatrics%20%28AAP%29%20recommends%20alternative,ring%20made%20of%20firm%20rubber%20to%20chew%20on. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teething