Dentists warn of risky teething products

A new study reveals many teething products are not only a risk to babies' health, but are also ineffective in reducing pain.

The British Dental Association (BDA) has urged parents to be on alert, as new research reveals that 9 of the 14 teething products licensed for use in the UK contain sucrose, alcohol and/or lidocaine, all of which have potential harmful side effects.

There is little evidence that the products are actually effective in reducing teething pain.

The paper published in the British Dental Journal, examined all products currently licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA categorises teething powders as homeopathic or herbal products, whereas most teething gels, with the sole exception of Nelson’s Teetha Teething Gel, hold full product licences.

Two products containing sucrose (table sugar) leave newly erupted baby teeth susceptible to decay, particularly as they are applied directly and repeatedly to the teeth. Six contain alcohol. Consumption of relatively low levels through breast milk can be counterproductive, arousing rather than sedating infants, meaning an increased propensity for crying and poor sleeping. Moderate exposure has been related to impaired motor development.

All six teething gels licenced in the UK contained lidocaine, which also poses a risk of overdose at higher concentrations. In the United States 22 serious adverse reactions, including deaths, have been associated with lidocaine 2% solution. Although none of the UK products contain more than 1% lidocaine, there could potentially be a risk of overdose from incorrect use.

The BDA has backed calls for no nonsense guidance to help parents navigate the risks, and guide them away from potentially harmful products, and for changes to licensing arrangements so harmful ingredients cannot make it into licensed products without clear evidence on their effectiveness.

BDA Chair Mick Armstrong said: 'Parents buying teething powders to save infants from distress won’t always realise they’re offering their kids sugars, alcohol or lidocaine. Buying a licensed product should offer confidence you’re making a safe choice. The reality is consumers are navigating a minefield of potentially harmful ingredients.

'We need to see real change in the way these products are licensed and marketed, and clear guidance so parents understand the risks. If your little one is suffering then a teething ring kept cool in the fridge is all you need.'

Data from Teething products may be harmful to health, Nigel Monaghan, British Dental Journal, Vol 227, No 6, 27 September 2019

Teething product licensed in the UK	Format	License	Contains sucrose	Contains alcohol	Contains lidocaine
Ashton and Parsons’ Infant Powders	Powder	Herbal	No	No	No
Boots Teething Pain Relief*	Granules	Homeopathic	No	No	No
Nelson’s Teetha Teething Granules*	Granules	Homeopathic	No	No	No
Weleda Chamomilla 3X	Granules	Homeopathic	Yes	Yes	No
Camilia Oral Solution	Solution	Homeopathic	No	No	No
Helios ABC 30C Pillules	Pill	Homeopathic	Yes	No	No
Nelson’s Teetha Teething Gel	Gel	Homeopathic	No	Yes	No
Fennings Children’s Cooling Oral Powders	Powder	Full	No	No	No
Boots Teething Gel 3 Months Plus	Gel	Full	No	No	0.6%
Bonjela Teething Gel	Gel	Full	No	Yes	0.33%
Bonjela Junior Gel	Gel	Full	No	Yes	0.5%
Dentinox Teething Gel	Gel	Full	No	Yes	0.33%
Calgel Teething Gel	Gel	Full	No	Yes	0.33%
Anbesol Teething Gel	Gel	Full	No	Yes	1%