Should I put teething rings in the freezer?

No. The fridge is better than the freezer. Frozen teething rings become too hard and can hurt your baby's gums rather than help. A cool temperature from the fridge provides gentle comfort without the risk of damaging tender gum tissue. A clean, chilled washcloth works well as an alternative.

How often can I apply teething gel to my baby's gums?

Application frequency depends on the specific product. MamaSmiles Teething Gel can be applied up to four times a day using a clean finger to gently massage the gums. A proactive twice-daily routine, morning and evening, helps make teething care part of your baby's daily oral care habit.

Are sugar-based teething remedies safe?

Sugar-based remedies such as honey on a dummy or sugary gels are best avoided. They coat emerging teeth and create an environment where bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of early tooth decay. Look for sugar-free products sweetened with alternatives like xylitol, which actively supports oral health.

When should I start brushing after the first tooth appears?

Start brushing the same day you see the first tooth. Use a soft baby toothbrush with a smear of gentle toothpaste. Even one tooth can develop decay if bacteria are left on its surface. Building the habit early makes brushing feel normal to your baby as more teeth come through.

Top 5 Teething Tips from a Dentist Dad

December 5, 2025

1) Massage a teething gel twice a day

From 6 months, proactively massage a teething gel such as MamaSmiles twice a day onto the gums with a clean finger to aid soothing.

2) Offer cool (not frozen) teething relief

Offer a cool teething ring to help soothe sore gums. The fridge is perfect — the freezer is too harsh. A clean, chilled washcloth works well too.

3) Skip sugar-based “remedies”

Avoid honey, teething biscuits, sweetened syrups, and gels. These feed bacteria and fast-track early tooth decay.

4) Make the dentist part of their world early

Bring your baby to your own dental checkups and let the dentist take a quick look. Any good dentist will be happy to do this - it builds comfort with the sights, sounds, and smells of the clinic.

5) Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears

Start brushing twice a day as soon as you see a tooth. Focus along the gumline, lifting the lip to see better. Let your baby also “clean” after you, but you do the real clean.

Small habits now, big smiles later!

Dr Rami Youssif – Dentist & Dad, Boston

“MamaSmiles has gentle ingredients and provides real results. If I recommend it for your baby it’s because I used it on mine.”

Try Teething Gel | Berry Flavour

Naturally soothes gums
Supports healthy tooth development
Dentist-developed formula
No numbing agents or anaesthetics
Fluoride & sugar free
Gentle enough for daily use

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About the Authors

Dr Jack Brazel and Dr John Krezel, Co-Founders of MamaSmiles

Dr Jack Brazel BChD Dr John Krezel BChD, MSc, DClinDent, MPros RCSEd, MFDS RCSEd

Co-Founders, MamaSmiles

Jack and John are award-winning dentists with clinical experience across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. John is a Specialist Prosthodontist registered with the GDC and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. They co-founded MamaSmiles out of a shared belief that families deserve oral care products held to the same standard as clinical recommendations.

Our story Jack on LinkedIn

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have specific concerns about your child's oral health or your own during pregnancy, please speak to your dentist, GP, midwife, or pharmacist.