The truth about teething remedies: expert guidance from a practising dentist

The truth about teething remedies: a dentist’s expert perspective
Clear guidance from the dentists behind MamaSmiles

Parents see a huge range of teething remedies on shelves and online. Powders, gels, herbal drops, amber beads and homeopathic options all claim to help. Some have been around for decades. Some rely on tradition. Some sound scientific but offer very little proof.

I am Jack, one of the practising dentists behind MamaSmiles. We see teething babies every week. We also see which remedies parents try, what works for some, and what offers little real comfort. The aim here is not to judge your choices. It is to explain the evidence dentists use when guiding parents through this stage.

What dentists know about teething pain

Teething causes pressure and tenderness. It does not cause intense or constant pain for most babies. Discomfort usually comes in short waves that build before a tooth breaks through. This is why no remedy removes the sensation completely. The most helpful support reduces pressure and keeps babies calm.

Teething discomfort is relieved by:

• pressure on the gums
• cool temperatures
• gentle massage
• simple comfort and closeness

Any remedy that aligns with these principles is more likely to help.

What the evidence says about numbing gels

Numbing gels reduce sensation for a short time. They do not work on the cause of teething and can make it harder for babies to notice when they bite their cheeks or tongue. This is why many dentists avoid using numbing agents for young babies. The risks outweigh the brief benefit.

A soothing product that supports the gums without numbing is usually safer and more predictable.

The reality behind homeopathic and unproven remedies

Some homeopathic or herbal products have been used for many years. Some are safe. Some are not. Many are simply unproven. This does not mean they never help, but there is often no clear evidence to explain how they work or what effect they might have.

The challenges include:

• unclear ingredient lists
• inconsistent manufacturing
• limited scientific support
• varying doses across brands

This is why dentists focus on approaches that have clearer, more predictable outcomes.

The science behind the ingredients dentists feel comfortable with

Dentists tend to choose ingredients that support the gums and early teeth without numbing the mouth. These include:

Aloe vera
Helps soothe and keep the mouth clean.

Chamomile
Calming and mild, often helpful alongside other ingredients.

Curcumin (from turmeric)
Supports the natural calming of inflamed gum tissue.

Xylitol
Helps protect early teeth by reducing how easily cavity-causing bacteria stick..

Hydroxyapatite
The mineral that makes up enamel. Helps support early tooth surfaces as they erupt.

These ingredients align with what babies actually need at this stage. They support comfort, cleanliness and healthy development.

Why so many remedies feel “hit and miss”

Teething discomfort is unpredictable. Babies have different pain thresholds and different coping reflexes. Some find relief with simple chewing. Others prefer cool pressure. What works one day may not work the next, because each tooth moves differently.

This is why a remedy that transforms one baby’s teething might do very little for another. It is not the remedy’s fault. It is the nature of teething.

What actually helps most babies

In clinic, the most reliable comfort comes from:

• gentle gum massage
• cool teething rings
• safe chewing
• predictable bedtime routines
• calm reassurance
• products with simple, gentle, evidence-led ingredients

These approaches align with how teething works and how babies regulate themselves.

When remedies become a concern

If a product claims to cure teething or promises complete relief, it is not giving accurate information. Teething is a normal part of development. Remedies offer comfort, not a cure.

If something does not feel right, or your baby seems unwell in a way you cannot explain, speak to your GP, health visitor or NHS 111.

Quick summary

• teething pain comes from pressure and tenderness
• remedies that support the gums and keep babies calm work best
• numbing gels are not ideal for young babies
• unproven remedies vary widely in quality and effect
• simple comfort measures help most babies
• look for gentle ingredients with a clear purpose

Teething is a short and sometimes intense stage, and it is natural to want something that really works. The truth is that the most effective remedies are often the simplest ones. At MamaSmiles, we base our products on what we see working every day in clinic and on ingredients that support your baby’s gums in a gentle and predictable way.

Dr Jack
Dentist and Co-Founder, MamaSmiles