Teething Gel Ingredients Explained: What Dentists Look For

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

Most parents pick up a teething gel based on the name on the front of the box. Very few flip it over and read the ingredient list. But the ingredients are what actually matter, and the differences between products on the shelf are much bigger than the packaging suggests.

I am Jack, one of the practising UK dentists behind MamaSmiles. Here is a clear guide to the most common teething gel ingredients, what they do, and what we look for as dental professionals when recommending products to parents.

What ingredients are commonly found in teething gels?

Teething gels sold in the UK fall into two broad categories: those built around numbing agents, and those that take a gentler, ingredient-led approach. Understanding which category a product falls into is the most important distinction you can make.

The active ingredients you are most likely to encounter include benzocaine, lidocaine, choline salicylate, and increasingly, botanical and mineral-based ingredients like hydroxyapatite, chamomile, and aloe vera. Each works differently, and each carries a different risk profile.

What is benzocaine and what should parents know about it?

Benzocaine is a topical anaesthetic that temporarily numbs the gum surface. It reduces sensation for around 20 to 30 minutes before wearing off. Products containing benzocaine, such as Anbesol, have been available for decades.

In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a formal warning against the use of benzocaine in children under 2. The concern is methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition where the blood's ability to carry oxygen is significantly reduced. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also advised against topical anaesthetics for infant teething.

In the UK, benzocaine products remain available with appropriate warnings, but many healthcare professionals now recommend parents consider alternatives. The practical limitations of benzocaine also matter: its short duration of effect can lead to frequent reapplication, and the numbing can reduce a baby's ability to feel when they bite their cheek or lip.

What is lidocaine and how is it different from benzocaine?

Lidocaine is another local anaesthetic used in some baby-specific teething gels. It works in a similar way to benzocaine, temporarily reducing sensation in the gum tissue.

While lidocaine does not carry the same methemoglobinemia risk as benzocaine, it has its own safety considerations. Accidental overdose is possible with repeated application, and the numbing effect can spread to the throat, potentially affecting the swallowing reflex in young babies. As with benzocaine, the effect is temporary and does not address the underlying cause of teething discomfort.

What is choline salicylate?

Choline salicylate is an anti-inflammatory compound that is chemically related to aspirin. It appears in some teething products that are not specifically marketed for babies. The MHRA advises that salicylate-containing products should not be given to children under 16 due to the rare but serious risk of Reye's syndrome.

The confusion arises because products containing choline salicylate sometimes sit on the same shelf as baby-specific gels with very similar branding. If you are buying a teething product, always check the active ingredient list to confirm you are choosing the baby-appropriate version.

What about botanical and mineral-based ingredients?

A growing number of teething gels use ingredients selected for their gentleness and compatibility with infant oral care, rather than numbing agents. These include:

Hydroxyapatite. This is the naturally occurring mineral that makes up approximately 97% of tooth enamel. In a teething gel, it supports emerging enamel from the moment a tooth first breaks through the gum. It is biocompatible, safe if swallowed, and widely used in Japanese and European dental care. For babies whose new enamel is thinner and more vulnerable than adult enamel, it is one of the most logical ingredients a teething product can contain.

Aloe vera. A well-tolerated botanical with a long history in gentle skincare and baby care products. It is suitable for application to soft gum tissue.

Chamomile. One of the gentlest botanicals available, chamomile is widely used in infant care products across Europe. It appears in teething gels at functional concentrations and in teething powders at homeopathic dilutions. The concentration matters, as a functional dose and a homeopathic dose are very different things.

Curcumin. The active compound in turmeric, included in some formulations for its natural properties on gum tissue.

Xylitol. A naturally occurring sugar alcohol that creates an oral environment less hospitable to the bacteria associated with tooth decay. Unlike sugar, which feeds harmful bacteria, xylitol actively supports oral health. It also provides a pleasant sweetness without the risks of sugar on emerging teeth.

What should you check on the label before buying?

As a dentist, here is what I would look for on any teething gel before recommending it to a parent:

No numbing agents. Benzocaine, lidocaine, and choline salicylate are the three to watch for. If any of these appear in the active ingredients, the product relies on temporary numbing rather than ongoing care.

Sugar-free. Sugar in a product applied to emerging teeth is counterproductive. Some gels contain sugars or syrups as flavouring agents. Look for products sweetened with xylitol instead.

Safe if swallowed. Babies cannot spit, so every ingredient will be ingested. This is especially relevant when considering fluoride products for very young children.

Ingredients that support teeth, not just comfort. The teething period is when your baby's enamel is first exposed to the oral environment. Products containing hydroxyapatite and xylitol offer ongoing benefits for tooth development beyond the teething moment itself.

Professional formulation. Was the product developed with input from dental or medical professionals? This is not always stated on the packaging. If it is not mentioned, the answer is usually no.

In our own MamaSmiles Teething Gel, we chose hydroxyapatite, aloe vera, chamomile, curcumin, and xylitol specifically because they meet all of these criteria. We avoided numbing agents, fluoride, SLS, sugar, and artificial colours because, as dentists, we would not want those in a product we apply to our own children's gums. For the full breakdown, see our active ingredients page.

How do ingredients affect your choice of teething routine?

Understanding what is in a teething gel changes how you use it. A numbing gel is reactive: you apply it when your baby seems uncomfortable, and the effect wears off quickly. An ingredient-led gel is proactive: you apply it as part of a daily oral care routine, building the habit of mouth care while also protecting emerging teeth.

This proactive approach is what we recommend as dentists. A twice-daily gum massage with a gentle gel becomes the foundation of a routine that naturally progresses to brushing. Your baby gets comfortable with mouth care early, and their teeth get protective ingredients from day one.

For more guidance on building a teething routine, see our guide to how to choose a teething remedy.