Teething Products to Avoid: Safe Alternatives for Babies
Worried about unsafe teething products? Learn what to skip, why it matters, and safe, evidence-based teething remedies recommended by pediatric experts.
Teething can feel like a marathon for families—especially between 3 and 12 months, when those first tiny teeth start to peek through. If you’re searching for relief, you’re not alone. This guide breaks down teething products to avoid, why some common remedies are unsafe, and trusted, safe teething remedies that actually help.
Key takeaway: You don’t need risky products to soothe teething. Simple, safe strategies—like gentle gum massage and chilled, firm teethers—are effective and recommended by pediatric experts (AAP/HealthyChildren, FDA).
Why avoiding dangerous teething products matters
For many babies, teething brings drooling, chewing, and mild fussiness. But some marketed products can turn a normal milestone into a safety emergency. Unsafe teething products have been linked to:
- Choking or strangulation (e.g., teething jewelry)
- Poisoning or serious reactions (e.g., certain homeopathic products, benzocaine gels)
- Mouth injuries or frostbite (e.g., frozen-solid items)
Teething vs. illness: what’s normal and what’s not
Mild symptoms are common with teething:
- Drooling and a drool rash
- Chewing/gnawing on hands or toys
- Slightly swollen or tender gums
- Mild fussiness and brief sleep disruptions
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) rectally
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Persistent, inconsolable crying
- Refusal to feed or signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, lethargy)
- Widespread rash
- Cough, congestion, or breathing difficulties
Teething products to avoid: FDA/AAP warnings at a glance
Pediatric and regulatory experts consistently caution against several unsafe teething products:
- Topical numbing gels with benzocaine or lidocaine (FDA safety warnings)
- Homeopathic teething tablets and gels due to inconsistent and potentially toxic ingredients, including belladonna (FDA advisories)
- Teething necklaces, bracelets, and anklets (amber, wood, silicone beads) because of choking and strangulation risks (FDA safety communication; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)
Skip topical numbing gels (benzocaine, lidocaine)
Benzocaine gels (often marketed for teething) can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but life-threatening condition that reduces oxygen in the blood. Symptoms can appear quickly and include pale/blue skin, shortness of breath, fatigue, and rapid heart rate. Prescription oral viscous lidocaine can also cause seizures, heart problems, and even death if swallowed or misused. In addition, saliva quickly washes these gels away, making them poor pain relievers (FDA consumer update; AAP/HealthyChildren).
Safer options per AAP/FDA:
- Gentle gum massage with a clean finger or damp gauze
- Chilled (not frozen) firm rubber teething rings or a damp washcloth
- If needed, discuss short-term acetaminophen with your pediatrician
Avoid homeopathic teething tablets and gels
While often labeled “natural,” homeopathic teething tablets and gels have been found to contain inconsistent—and sometimes dangerously high—levels of belladonna, a toxic substance. The FDA has received reports of seizures, breathing problems, extreme sleepiness, constipation, and agitation associated with these products. They are not approved for safety or efficacy, and families are advised to discard them (FDA).
What to do instead:
- Offer chilled, firm teethers or a cool washcloth
- Try gentle gum massage
- Check in with your pediatrician if pain is affecting sleep or feeding
Say no to teething jewelry (amber, wood, silicone beads)
Amber teething necklace risks—and similar jewelry made of wood, marble, or silicone beads—include choking, strangulation, and mouth injuries. Beads can break off and block an airway, and cords can tighten around the neck, especially during sleep. The FDA has received reports of serious injuries and deaths. Claims that amber releases “succinic acid” to reduce inflammation are not supported by scientific evidence (FDA safety communication; CHOP; Johns Hopkins).
- Never place jewelry around a baby’s neck or limbs
- Never use during sleep or naps or in car seats/slings
- Choose safe, one-piece teethers instead
Other hazards: liquid-filled teethers, frozen-solid items, sugary dips
- Liquid-filled teethers can rupture, exposing babies to potentially contaminated liquid or sharp plastic edges (AAP/HealthyChildren; FDA; ADA)
- Frozen-solid items (including frozen fruits/veggies in mesh feeders) can be hard enough to injure delicate gums or cause frostbite. Chill, don’t freeze (AAP/HealthyChildren; NHS guidance)
- Sugary dips (honey, juice, syrups) increase the risk of early childhood caries and should be avoided. Never give honey to children under 1 year due to botulism risk (ADA; CDC oral health)
Safe teething remedies that work: evidence-based choices
The simplest strategies are often the most effective and safest.
- Gentle gum massage: Wash your hands and rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or damp gauze. The pressure helps counter teething discomfort (AAP/HealthyChildren; Johns Hopkins)
- Chilled (not frozen) options: Firm rubber rings, a damp washcloth twisted and chilled, or a chilled pacifier (if used). Always supervise (AAP/HealthyChildren; FDA)
- Safe textures for exploration: A soft baby toothbrush to massage gums and support oral development (ADA)
- Comfort measures: Extra cuddles, rocking, white noise, or a warm bath can help babies relax and sleep a bit easier
Key takeaway: Safe teething remedies are simple—cool temperatures, gentle pressure, and close supervision.
Medication basics: when acetaminophen is appropriate
If teething pain significantly disrupts feeding or sleep, talk with your pediatrician about whether infant acetaminophen is appropriate. Use only the dose based on your baby’s weight and age, and only for the shortest time needed (typically 1–2 days). Avoid ibuprofen under 6 months of age unless your clinician advises otherwise. Never use topical anesthetics for teething (AAP/HealthyChildren; Johns Hopkins; Seattle Children’s; FDA).
Drool and skin care during teething: how to prevent rashes
- Gently wipe drool often with a soft cloth
- Apply a thin barrier ointment (e.g., petroleum jelly) around the mouth and under the chin
- Use soft, absorbent bibs and change them frequently
- Keep skin dry; switch damp clothes promptly
Early oral hygiene and first dental visit
- Before teeth erupt: Wipe gums twice daily with a clean, soft cloth or gauze—after the first feed and before bed (CDC)
- First tooth: Brush twice daily with a soft baby toothbrush and water. Ask your dentist or pediatrician about using a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 2 (CDC; ADA)
- First dental visit: Schedule by your baby’s first birthday to establish preventive care and get individualized guidance (CDC; ADA)
Safety checklist: choosing and using a teether
When shopping for a teether, use this quick safety screen:
- Choose:
- Use:
- Care:
When to call the pediatrician
Reach out to your clinician if you notice:
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C) rectally
- Persistent, inconsolable crying
- Feeding refusal or signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, lethargy)
- Widespread rash
- Cough, congestion, or breathing problems
Frequently asked questions about unsafe teething products
Are amber teething necklaces ever safe if supervised?
No. Supervision reduces risk but does not eliminate it. Choking and strangulation can occur quickly and silently, especially if a bead breaks or the cord tightens. The FDA and pediatric experts advise against them entirely.
Can I use a frozen fruit feeder to soothe gums?
It’s safer to offer chilled—not frozen-solid—options. Frozen items can be hard enough to injure gums. If you choose a feeder for older babies consuming solids, ensure close supervision and avoid hard-frozen pieces.
Do homeopathic teething tablets work?
There’s no reliable evidence they work, and serious safety concerns have been reported due to inconsistent belladonna levels. The FDA advises families not to use them.
What about benzocaine gels made “for babies”?
Benzocaine poses a methemoglobinemia risk and offers little benefit because it’s washed away by saliva. The FDA and AAP recommend avoiding topical anesthetics for teething altogether.
The bottom line
Teething is a normal milestone—and you don’t have to choose between your baby’s comfort and safety. By skipping unsafe teething products and sticking with simple, proven strategies, you’ll protect your baby and ease the journey for everyone.
Try this today: Gently massage your baby’s gums, then offer a chilled, firm rubber teether. If discomfort still disrupts sleep or feeding, call your pediatrician for personalized guidance.
References and expert guidance
- American Academy of Pediatrics/HealthyChildren.org: Teething pain relief and safety guidance: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Teething-Pain.aspx
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration consumer update: Safely soothing teething pain; benzocaine and homeopathic warnings: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-soothing-teething-pain-infants-and-children
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Infant oral health tips (early hygiene, fluoride, first dental visit): https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-children.html
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Teething basics and safe comfort measures: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/teething/what-you-should-know-about-babies-teething
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teething overview and care: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teething
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Risky teething remedies to avoid: https://www.chop.edu/news/teething-pain-risky-remedies-avoid
- Seattle Children’s: Teething, symptoms, and care: https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/teething/
Ready to build a safe teething toolkit? Start with a clean finger for gum massage, add two or three chilled, firm teethers, and talk with your pediatrician if pain persists. You’ve got this—and we’re here to help with evidence-based, family-friendly guidance.
