By Dr Jack Brazel BChD · Reviewed by Dr John Krezel, Specialist Prosthodontist

Is Your Teething Gel Actually Safe? What Dentists Want You to Know in 2026

If you've ever stood in the baby aisle at 10pm, squinting at tiny tubes of teething gel and wondering whether they're actually safe for your baby, you're not alone. The truth is that not all teething gels are created equal. The ones that have drawn safety warnings from regulators are a specific type: gels containing anaesthetic ingredients like benzocaine and lidocaine. Understanding the difference matters, because there are safer alternatives that can genuinely help your little one through teething discomfort.

The problem isn't teething gels. It's what's inside them.

For years, the go-to teething gels on pharmacy shelves relied on local anaesthetics to numb sore gums. The idea made sense on the surface: numb the pain, settle the baby. But the evidence caught up, and regulators have now stepped in on two fronts.

Benzocaine. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that over-the-counter oral products containing benzocaine must not be used in infants and children under 2 years old. Benzocaine has been linked to methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially fatal blood condition that reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. In 2018, the FDA ordered manufacturers to stop selling benzocaine teething products for this age group entirely.

Lidocaine. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reviewed oral lidocaine teething gels and reclassified them as pharmacy-only medicines from 2019. The review concluded there was a lack of evidence of benefit from using lidocaine-containing teething products before non-medicinal options. Well-known UK brands affected included Anbesol, Bonjela Teething Gel, Calgel, and Dentinox.

On top of the safety concerns, both regulators noted that anaesthetic gels wash off gum surfaces within minutes, meaning the relief they provide is short-lived at best.

So what actually works for teething pain?

Dentists and paediatric health bodies recommend a layered approach. Non-medicated techniques like gum massage with a clean finger and chilled (not frozen) teething rings are a good starting point. But if your baby needs more comfort, the key is choosing a teething gel that soothes without relying on anaesthetics.

This is where ingredient quality makes the difference. Natural soothing agents like aloe vera, chamomile, and curcumin have long histories of traditional use for calming irritated, inflamed tissue. They work with the body rather than numbing it, and they don't carry the safety flags that benzocaine and lidocaine do.

What to check on the label before you buy

If you're evaluating a teething gel in 2026, here's a quick checklist:

• No benzocaine. Non-negotiable for under-2s.
• No lidocaine - or a clear indication that it's only suitable above a specified age and as a second-line option.
• No mint oils or menthol, which aren't appropriate for infants.
• Sugar-free and alcohol-free formulation.
• Clear age suitability stated on the packaging.
• Soothing ingredients you recognise - look for plant-based actives like aloe vera or chamomile rather than synthetic anaesthetics.

Where MamaSmiles fits

MamaSmiles Teething Gel was dentist-formulated specifically to avoid the ingredients regulators have flagged. It contains no benzocaine, no lidocaine, no SLS, and no mint oils.

The soothing action comes from aloe vera, chamomile, and curcumin — gentle, naturally calming ingredients that help ease the discomfort of sore gums without numbing. On top of that, the formula includes hydroxyapatite, the mineral that naturally makes up tooth enamel, to help strengthen and protect your baby's first teeth as they come through.

It's a teething gel designed for the parents who want to help their baby, without worrying about what's actually going into their mouth.

See the full ingredient list and formulation rationale on our teething gel product page.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's teething symptoms or oral health, speak to your pharmacist, GP, or dentist.