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For a parent, the teething process for a baby can be daunting. It hurts and results in sore gums, which is why you hear your baby crying more than usual. Teething gels provide relief and comfort to your irritated baby & sleepless you by numbing the nerve endings in the gums, thus reducing pain and relieving swelling. The numbing may be from chemicals or cooling, which is recommended because of its natural ingredients.
At A Glance: Our Top 6 Picks for Teething Gels
Note – if you click on a product on babyteethingease.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission from Amazon.
- Weleda Childrens Tooth Gel (Our Top Choice)
- Wink Naturals Baby Teething Gel
- Nuby Natural Soothing Gel with Bonus Silicone Massaging Toothbrush
- Boiron Camilia,Homeopathic Medicine for Teething Relief
- Orajel Baby Daytime & Nighttime Non-medicated Cooling Gels
- Spry Infant Tooth Gel with Pacifier
Teething gels help reduce the pain of sore gums and can also clean emerging teeth.
Don’t Feel Like Reading? Our Top choice pick is the Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel for its natural and high-quality ingredients, which can also act as a toothpaste. But if you prefer a cooling sensation in your gel, then Wink Naturals Baby Teething Gel is the one you want to get.
Before you read further, a brief discussion about the safety of teething gels. The questions that get asked often are:
Are Teething Gels Without Benzocaine Safe?
The Teething gels we have reviewed in this article are safe. They don’t contain any harmful chemicals such as Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Belladonna. If you would like to learn more about why these chemicals harm your baby. Please skip to the FAQ section, where we thoroughly answer all these questions.
Now that we have discussed safety briefly, here are the six best teething gels for babies, which are safe and effective products and will help comfort your baby and provide you and your baby good sleep.
Quick Summary: The 6 Best Teething Gels
Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel
Our first product on the list is Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel. Weleda is another well-known business for creating organic products free from toxic chemicals and of high standards. It shares the common mission with NATRUE (The International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association) to create natural products with exceptionally high standards using environmentally friendly practices. Weleda is a well-known brand for oral care, and other teething products include Weleda baby teething powder and Weleda Sage Gum Balm containing gingival, which strengthens sensitive gums.
The Weleda Children Tooth Gel has numerous aspects, making it a top teething gel to help your infant with teething pain. To begin with, your baby’s teeth will be protected by natural & organic ingredients. Unlike certain gels such as Anbesol and Bonajela (gels we don’t recommend), this gel contains no Benzocaine. It also doesn’t contain an ounce of fluoride and sanitizes teeth with natural silica. Locating a teething product that is inexpensive and uses natural ingredients is hard to find, but Weleda Teething gel ticks all the boxes. Additionally, it comes with organic calendula to ease any pain in the gums or teeth. While some gels might taste bitter, the Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel has a spearmint taste that kids won’t mind. It does not contain peppermint. If you want teething remedies on Amazon that will ease your baby’s pain, try Weleda Tooth gel first.
Can Weleda’s Gel Be Used As a Toothpaste?
Weleda’s teething gels also act as toothpaste. Many parents are quite happy to use Weleda gel as toothpaste because it is fluoride-free and has a mild minty taste instead of artificially sweetened, fruit-flavored starter kinds of toothpaste, which are harmful if swallowed.
Weleda – Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Contains natural ingredients – Certified by NATRUE. It contains Silica, which helps keep teeth clean, and calendula, which soothes the gums.
- Fluoride-free-It is also free of artificial sweeteners, colorants, surfactants, and flavors
- it can also be used as a beginner toothpaste – not harmful if swallowed.
What We Didn’t Like
- Almond oil is an ingredient in the gel, so it can’t be used on kids who are allergic to tree nuts
- As it states in the packaging babies love its taste and will swallow it, but it is made of substances that are not harmful when swallowed.
Weleda – Key Aspects
Recommended Age for Weleda teething gel is 2+ months
Active Ingredients: The main ingredients are Glycerin Water, Silica Algin, Calendula Flower Extract, and Sweet Almond Oil.
Quantity Options: It comes in Single & Pack of 2 . Each pack contains about 1.7 ounce (50 ml) of gel
Wink Naturals Cool Gums Teething Gel
Wink natural teething gel is 100% natural and one of the best teething remedies for your baby. Wink naturals teething gel does not contain any Benzocaine or Belladonna. It takes a different approach to help the baby get through those tough teething moments. Instead of numbing, it offers a cooling sensation on the gums with the help of these natural ingredients (Aloe, Chamomile & diluted Peppermint). This cooling sensation helps relieve swelling and reduces teething pain. It also contains licorice root extract, providing teething relief and soothing mouth sores.
Winks cool gums teething gel is also safe to be used as a toddler’s toothpaste. This added feature is nice, especially if you have some leftovers. As with most teething gels, Wink’s is fast-acting and very effective as it goes directly on contact to help soothe oral discomfort quickly.
Winks teething gel also contains Xylitol – a naturally occurring sweetener that prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth and promotes dental hygiene.
Let’s face it, nobody likes to see their baby teething in pain, and getting some relief from those erupting teeth surely can help. Since Wink’s gel is 100% natural and does not contain any preservatives you can use it more often and give your baby some relief from the erupting teeth.
Wink’s Gel – Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Natural and 100% drug-free – No Benzocaine or Belladonna
- Provides a Cooling sensation instead of Numbing
- Contains Xylitol – a naturally occurring sweetener that prevents teeth from bacteria
- Does not contain dyes, fragrances, and preservatives
- 100% money-back guarantee
What We Didn’t Like
- Initially, they were complaints about 10 ml tubes being half-filled. Winks have corrected that and increased their size. Now the tubes are 15 ml and are completely full
- Babies may not like the taste of licorice (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis) and peppermint
Winks Gel – Key Aspects
Recommended Age: 3+ months
Active Ingredients: Key ingredients are Xylitol, Aloe B, Menthol, Peppermint Oil, Chamomilla Flower Extract & Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis)
Directions: Apply a small amount to the gums and massage gently. You can also store it in the fridge or in a cool place. The cold seems to help in providing instant relief to teething pain.
Quantity Options: It comes in Single & Double pack
Nuby Natural Soothing Gel with Bonus Silicone Massaging Toothbrush
Nuby Soothing Gel is manufactured with natural ingredients and is completely free of Belladonna and Benzocaine; It works on numbing the affected area, however, it uses a natural and widely used anesthetic called Eugenol, which is extracted from the clove.
Nuby soothing gel also comprises one formula for both day and night. Another bonus element of the product is that it comes with a free massaging silicone toothbrush which has a very unique texture and design. The soft silicone bristles in the toothbrush provide comfort to your baby’s delicate and sore gums while stimulating their tongue and lips.
Nuby Natural Soothing Gel – Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Contains natural ingredients – Eugenol extracted from clove
- Safe to swallow
- Benzocaine, Belladonna, and BPA free
- The natural teething gel which soothes gums quickly
- A single formula for day and night usage
What We Didn’t Like
- Strong smell and taste – Again since its main ingredient is Eugenol (clove extract) it can taste spicy or hot
- A lot of babies are allergic to clove, making this product unsuitable for them
Nuby Natural Soothing Gel – Key Aspects
Recommended Age: 4 months and older
Style: Nubys Natural Soothing gel comes in two styles. Along with the gel you can have either a Gum-eez Teether or a Massaging Toothbrush
Nuby Natural – Short Q&A
Since Nuby teething gel is a popular baby tooth gel we decided to create a short question and answer session here at baby teething ease. Additionally, We recommend Nuby soothing gel over the Nuby Citroganix Gum Massaging Gel.
Is Nuby All Natural Teething Gel Safe?
Nuby teething gel is very safe. It does not contain any chemicals and is Benzociane and Belladonna-free. Its numbing effect comes from a natural anesthetic called Eugenol (Clove extract). In many Asian cultures. cloves have long been regarded as one of the best natural anesthetics. According to Ayurveda, clove oil is known for its antibacterial qualities and is recommended for oral hygiene and toothache.
What is in Nuby Teething gel
Active Ingredients in Nuby natural teething gel are Eugenol and Chamomile. Stevia and tutti fruit flavoring is also added to reduce the spicy/hot taste (due to eugenol- clove extract) which some babies dislike.
What About the Hot/Spicy Taste and Negative Reaction?
It is possible that some babies may find the taste of Nuby teething gel spicy and a bit off-putting, This is again because of eugenol. Natural sweeteners such as Stevia and tutti fruit flavoring has been added to reduce the hot or burning sensation some babies feel. However, this gels’ main ingredient is an extract of cloves, it may taste raw and spicy to some babies.
Trick: Apply a small amount directly to the gums instead of the tongue, in this way the spicy element of the taste will be delayed and substituted with the relief. After a couple of times, your baby will get used to the taste and will associate the relief Nuby teething gel brings as a positive experience.
How do you use Nuby Teething gel? How often can you use Nuby teething gel?
Using a cotton applicator or your finger, gently apply a very small amount of the gel to the affected area and massage it up to four times a day or as per the physician’s orders. Check the ingredients to see if your child is allergic to any of them.
Boiron Camilia, Homeopathic Medicine for Teething Relief
Boiron Camilia Teething relief provides temporary relief against irritability and painful gums. It also helps resolve minor digestive issues. Boiron Camilia teething relief is the best homeopathic option for your teething baby. Its active ingredient is German Chamomile. This clear liquid gel is absorbed in the body via tissues under the tongue.
Like the Weleda and Wink’s, Camilia teething gel s also Benzocaine and Preservative free. This means that it will not numb your baby’s mouth. Also, it doesn’t interact with other medications, making it safe to be consumed if your child is being treated for other pre-existing conditions.
Boiron Camilia – Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Provides relief against painful gums, irritability, and minor digestive disorders related to teething
- Doesn’t interact with other medications
- No risk of over-dosage
- No risk of numbing your child’s gag reflex
What We Didn’t Like
- It can make your baby sleepy
- Provides temporary relief
Boiron Camilia – Key Aspects
Recommended Age: 1 month and older
Active Ingredients: Its main ingredient is German Chamomilla 9C HPUS and purified water. The letters HPUS mean that the ingredients are officially listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States a continuous publication since 1897.
Directions: Twist the product to open it, squeeze entire contents in your baby’s mouth. Repeat after every 15 minutes as needed for up to a total of 9 doses per day.
Quantity Options: Boiron Camilia is available in Boiron Camilia 30 Dose (Pack of 4) and Boiron Camilia Teething Relief Liquid Doses 30 ea (Pack of 5)
Orajel Baby Daytime & Nighttime Non-medicated Cooling Gels
A list of teething gel will be incomplete without mentioning Orajel. Orajel has been one of the biggest names in the teething industry for several decades. Orajel Baby non-medicated gels are different from the original Orajel formula which had been recalled because of the presence of Benzoanciane.
Orajel Baby Cooling Gels Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- You can use the same gel for daytime and nighttime.
- Benzocaine & Belladonna Free
- Instant cooling sensation
- It also does not contain any artificial colors, gluten, sugar, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, menthol, and dairy
What We Didn’t Like
- Some parents have reported a little bit more drooling than usual after applying this gel.
Orajel Baby Cooling Gel – Key Aspects
Recommended Age: 3+ months
Active Ingredients: Key ingredients are Sorbitol & Propylene Glycol
Directions: Locate the score mark on the tube and cut open the tip of the tube on that mark. Using a fingertip or cotton, apply a small amount of gel over the gums. It is recommended to apply the gel up to 4 times a day or as directed by a healthcare provider or your family physician.
Orajel Baby Cooling Gel – Q&A
Why did Orajel get recalled? Why was Orajel discontinued?
Orajel commonly known as the original Orajel formula was taken off the market because it contained a harmful ingredient “Benzocaine”. U.S Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) discovered that Benzocaine could cause a rare disorder called Methemoglobinemia – reduction in oxygen in the bloodstream due to the presence of Methemoglobin. To find out more about Benzocaine and FDA warning, please see the Frequently Asked Question section of this article (below)
After reading about recall and Benzocaine, you may be wondering if:
Is Baby Orajel without benzocaine safe?
Orajel Baby Daytime & Nighttime Non-medicated cooling gel is completely safe and “Benzocaine free”. Instead of numbing, it uses a non-medicated cooling sensation. This cooling sensation is a lifesaver for an irritated baby, as only a little bit works great and provides the baby with instant relief from teething pain. Orajel has truly redeemed themselves with their day & night cooling gel formula which is not only benzocaine-free but also Belladonna and Sugar-free.
Spry Infant Tooth Gel With Pacifier
The last teething gel product in this article is the Spry Infant Tooth Gel with Pacifier. Spry put a little extra into producing a product that is completely natural and fluoride-free. It doesn’t taste bitter since it contains a naturally occurring sweetener Xylitol also cleans and soothes the gums. It is also economical and is safe to swallow for babies.
It comes with a special pacifier which can be filled with gel allowing for easy and effective distribution of gel.
Spry Infant Tooth Gel – Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Tastes sweet
- Created with natural ingredients
- Works effectively
- Pacifier included
What We Didn’t Like
- This gel can seem slightly watery
Spry Infant Tooth Gel – Key Aspects
Recommended Age:: 3+ months
Active Ingredients: Key ingredients are Xylitol and Calcium
Directions: fill the pacifier ⅔ full with Spry tooth gel. It is recommended to give the dosage 3-5 times a day. Pacifier needs to be washed after every use.
Teething Gels – We Do Not Recommend
Below are the four over-the-counter teething gel we don’t recommend because they either contain Lidocaine or Benzocaine as their active ingredient. FDA and Health Canada have deemed teething gels containing numbing ingredient lidocaine and Benzociane as unsafe for babies under 24 months.
Please read more about Benzocaine and FDA advisory in the Frequently Asked Question section of this article (below).
Teething gels we don’t recommend for babies
- Dentinox teething gel
- Orajel (medicated gel)– different from non-medicated one reviewed in the article
- Anbesol Teething gel
- Bonjela Teething Gel
- Calgel Teething Gel
You can still get these gels at the pharmacy section, but they are no longer available as over-the-counter options. If you are baby is over 24 months old, and you prefer the fast-acting numbing sensation you should still consult your doctor and or pharmacist before using them.
We have been through several teething gels in detail so far, their pros and cons, their special aspects, any special considerations you may have to take as a parent, however, you may still be wondering what teething gel is best for your baby and which gel will provide the fast-acting results that will be noticed almost instantly.
What is the Best Teething Gel for Babies?
This may sound a bit cliché, but it really does depend. Some teething gel products might be effective for some babies, and others not so much. Every baby boy or girl is unique, each one with different taste buds that are coming into their own. Also, there is no harm in trying any of the gels reviewed in this article because they are all chemical-free (no benzocaine, read FDA warning), inexpensive and efficient.
However, if we would have to pick a single teething gel from all of the teething gels in the article, our choice would be Weleda teething gel because it’s natural, contains high-quality ingredients and can also continue to work as your babies first toothpaste.
- If you prefer the natural ingredient but would like a cooling sensation for your baby, then we will recommend Winks Teething gel.
- If homeopathy is your preferred route of treatment, then try Boiron Camilia Teething Relief.
- If you find your baby can handle the spicy flavor of Nuby Natural teething gel, then do try it because it has a natural healing product called eugenol and you get a silicone toothbrush as well.
- When it comes to trusted brand Orajel always comes to mind and Orajel baby non-medicated gel is perfectly safe for your teething baby.
We suggest you purchase more than one teething product to determine which one is most effective. The rule of the thumb is If something tastes bitter, odds are it’s going to be a chore for your baby to like it.
Each one of the teething gels reviewed are some of the best teething gels available today.
Teething Gels- Frequently Asked Questions
Are Teething Gels Dangerous?
Most teething gels are quite safe for the baby. All the teething gels recommended on this page are safe and effective. However, some Teething Gels contain harmful products such as Benzocaine, Belladonna, and Lidocaine which are unsafe and can cause rare but deadly side effects in children, especially those 24 months and younger. Benzocaine has been connected to a rare but potentially serious blood condition known as methemoglobinemia (MetHb). United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) & Health Canada all advise parents, and caregivers to not use over-the-counter products containing benzocaine, Lidocaine or Belladonna for teething pain. Please see our section of Teething gel – we do not recommend
What is Benzocaine?
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that also works as a topical pain reliever. It is a numbing medication that reduces the pain stimuli by numbing the inflamed area.
What is Methemoglobinemia (MetHb)?
Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which an elevated level of methemoglobin, a type of hemoglobin, is produced. In this disorder, the abnormal amount of hemoglobin can carry oxygen but is not able to release it to tissues effectively. Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) can be caused by several factors including anesthetics such as benzocaine.
Are Teething Gels Expensive?
All of the teething gels/ medications reviewed in this article are inexpensive. We know how costly things can get when you’re a new mother or father, particularly if you have multiple kids. As such, there’s no need to spend more money than you need to on a teething gel. Each cent you spend is important!
Sources
- Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) – FDA takes action against the use of OTC benzocaine teething products due to serious safety risk, lack of benefit
- Health Canada – Health Canada reminds Canadians of health risks associated with topical benzocaine products
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Baby teething gels (containing Benzocaine, Lidocaine) not recommended
- Benzocaine – Benzociane Wikipedia page
- Methemoglobinemia – MedicinePlus page