No, teething tablets for babies aren’t safe; FDA warnings cite belladonna risks, so stick with simple non-medicine relief methods.
Teething can bring drool, crankiness, and short naps. Parents reach for quick fixes, and teething tablets often pop up in searches and store shelves. The question keeps coming back—are teething tablets safe for babies? Short answer: no. U.S. regulators have warned against these products because some contain belladonna, a toxic plant extract, and others include numbing drugs that can harm infants. This guide explains what’s in those tablets, why the risk exists, and what to do instead.
Are Teething Tablets Safe For Babies? Risks And Safer Steps
Homeopathic teething tablets are sold as gentle, tiny pills that “melt” under the tongue. Some brands list belladonna or similar plant alkaloids. Teething gels and liquids may include benzocaine or lidocaine. These ingredients can cause serious problems in young children. Safer choices exist, and they don’t rely on medication.
Quick Comparison: Ingredients And Safety Notes
| Product Type/Ingredient | What It Claims | Safety Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Homeopathic tablets (belladonna) | Calm gums | Risk from belladonna; FDA urges families not to use |
| Gels with benzocaine | Numb pain | Linked to methemoglobinemia; not for children under 2 |
| Lidocaine solutions | Stronger numbing | Not advised for teething; safety warnings apply |
| Amber necklaces | “Natural relief” claim | Choking/strangulation risk; no proven benefit |
| Chilled teething ring | Cooling pressure | Safe when firm and refrigerated, not frozen solid |
| Clean finger massage | Soothes gums | Low risk when gentle and brief |
| Cold, wet washcloth | Chewable relief | Low risk; supervise closely |
Teething Tablet Safety For Babies — What Doctors Say
Regulators tested some homeopathic tablets and found inconsistent belladonna levels. That matters because dosing swings can lead to symptoms like sleepiness, trouble breathing, or seizures. Drug-based gels add a separate hazard: benzocaine can reduce the blood’s oxygen-carrying ability, and lidocaine has its own warnings in infants. With risks on the table and little upside, health groups steer parents to non-drug care.
Why Belladonna Is A Problem In Babies
Belladonna contains tropane alkaloids that affect the nervous system. Infants are more sensitive to these effects. Homeopathic labeling may suggest extreme dilution, yet testing has shown some lots with higher-than-labeled amounts. Variability makes a “safe” dose unpredictable.
Why Benzocaine And Lidocaine Are Poor Fits
Benzocaine can trigger methemoglobinemia, a condition where blood can’t carry enough oxygen. Symptoms can start quickly and may be life-threatening. Lidocaine can be swallowed and absorbed, and topical relief on gums fades fast because saliva washes it away. That’s a lot of risk for little benefit.
What To Use Instead: Relief That Works Without Drugs
Good teething care leans on cold and gentle pressure. The goal is simple: give the gums something firm, cool, and safe to bite, and add cuddles and routine.
Proven Soothers You Can Try Today
- Chilled teething ring: Use a one-piece, solid ring. Chill in the fridge, not the freezer. Offer for short sessions, then clean and dry.
- Cold, wet washcloth: Twist a clean cloth, chill it, and let your baby gnaw while you watch closely.
- Clean finger massage: Wash hands, then rub the gums with light, steady pressure for a minute or two.
- Hard, safe teether toy: Pick a firm, BPA-free design with no small parts. Wash often.
- Extra cuddles and routine: Teething can peak at night. Stick to bedtime rituals and keep the room calm.
Feeding And Sleep Tips During A Teething Flare
Offer cool purees if your child is eating solids. Breast or bottle feeds may be shorter; that’s common. Aim for short naps and earlier bedtimes for a few days. If drool irritates skin, pat dry and use a thin barrier ointment on the chin and chest.
Safe Use Of Pain Relievers
Some families use oral pain relievers during rough nights. Use the pediatric dose for your child’s weight, not age alone. Choose a plain single-ingredient product. Avoid combo syrups. Never give aspirin. Keep the dosing tool with the bottle to prevent mix-ups. If your child has a health condition or takes other medicines, ask your pediatrician first.
Red Flags That Need Medical Care
Call your child’s doctor or an urgent care clinic fast if you see blue or gray lips, hard breathing, limpness, a seizure, a high fever that won’t come down, or fewer wet diapers. These signs point beyond teething.
How Long Teething Discomfort Lasts
Most kids start around six months, and many get two bottom front teeth first, then two top front teeth. Each tooth can bring a few days of fuss. Some babies sail through; others chew on everything for weeks. You may see drool, a need to bite, and mild gum swelling. Teething does not cause long fevers, rash all over, or severe diarrhea. Those symptoms call for a medical check.
Are Teething Tablets Safe For Babies? What The Evidence Shows
Let’s return to the core question—are teething tablets safe for babies? The record includes recalls, safety alerts, and expert guidance that point away from tablets and numbing gels. Parents have better options that carry far less risk.
Evidence At A Glance
| Claim Or Practice | What Studies/Agencies Say | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Homeopathic tablets “gentle and safe” | Testing found variable belladonna; regulators advise against use | Avoid |
| Benzocaine gels numb pain well | Minimal benefit on gums; risk of methemoglobinemia | Avoid in infants |
| Lidocaine for teething pain | Not advised; safety alerts for infants | Avoid |
| Amber necklaces release succinic acid | No solid proof; strangulation/choking hazards | Skip |
| Cold pressure and gum massage | Recommended by pediatric groups | Use |
| OTC fever reducers at weight-based dose | Can help for short periods when dosed correctly | Use with care |
Practical Step-By-Step Plan For A Tough Day
Morning
Prep two clean teething rings and a few washcloths for the fridge. Keep one ring ready while the others chill. Set out the dosing tool for any medicine your doctor approved.
Afternoon
Rotate a chilled ring with finger massage. Offer cool purees or yogurt if age-appropriate. Keep water handy for you and baby if they’re old enough to sip water.
Evening
Start the bedtime routine a little early. Use a chilled washcloth during story time. Keep the room dim and quiet. If you’re using pain relievers, follow the weight chart and write the time on a sticky note.
Myth Checks That Save You Money
“Teething Causes High Fever”
Mild temperature bumps can happen, but high fevers usually come from illness. Treat teething and watch for other symptoms.
“Tablets Are Safer Because They’re Natural”
Natural doesn’t equal risk-free. Belladonna is plant-based yet toxic. Safety comes from evidence and quality control, not from the word “natural.”
“Necklaces Work Because Of Succinic Acid”
There’s no strong proof that body heat releases a helpful dose. The choking and strangulation hazard is real, so skip jewelry.
How To Spot Risky Products On The Label
Scan the ingredient line. Words like “belladonna,” “atropa belladonna,” or “deadly nightshade” signal a tablet you should skip. For gels, look for “benzocaine” or “lidocaine.” If a package lists only vague terms or a blend with no amounts, that’s another red flag. A U.S. warning against belladonna in teething products remains public; you can read the FDA belladonna warning.
Why “Melts Under The Tongue” Isn’t A Safety Shield
Some labels lean on the tiny size of the tablet. That doesn’t change what’s inside. Small pills can still deliver compounds that affect the heart, brain, or blood. Dose swings from lot to lot increase the chance of an adverse reaction, even when the label promises “low dose.”
Doctor-Backed Teething Care In One Page
The American Academy of Pediatrics lists simple steps that help: cold objects to bite and gentle gum massage. See its guide on teething pain.
What The FDA Says About Benzocaine And Lidocaine
Regulators asked makers to stop selling benzocaine products for teething and required stronger label warnings. Methemoglobinemia cases have been reported with gels and sprays. For details, see the agency’s page on the benzocaine safety action. A separate alert advises against lidocaine for teething because relief washes away quickly and the risks are not trivial; read the lidocaine warning.
Hygiene, Storage, And Safe Setup
Wash teethers daily, toss cracked items, and chill them in a clean bin away from raw foods. Supervise mesh feeders and pick large pieces to reduce choking risk.
Handling Well-Meaning Advice
Grandparents and friends may recommend old remedies, including whiskey on the gums or herbal drops. Skip alcohol in any form and avoid mystery mixtures. Share that pediatric groups prefer simple cold pressure and gentle gum rubs. Your baby gets relief without added hazards.
Teething And Other Conditions That Mimic It
Ear infections, mouth ulcers, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease can all look like teething at first. If your child pulls hard at the ear, refuses most feeds, or drools with mouth sores, call the pediatric office. A brief exam can sort it out and save days of guesswork.
When To Get A Professional’s Help
Reach out if your child has pain that stops feeding, wakes every hour for days, shows signs of dehydration, or has a rash that spreads. A quick visit can rule out ear infection, mouth sores, or something else that looks like teething.
Bottom Line For Parents
Teething tablets promise an easy fix, yet they bring real risk without clear benefit. Chill the relief plan, keep dosing precise if you use medicine, and lean on simple care. That path is safe, cheap, and enough for most babies.
Sources and further reading linked in text.