Teething Gels: A Guide to Soothing Your Baby’s Teething Pain

Teething gels are topical products designed to numb the gums and provide temporary relief from teething pain. Here’s a closer look at what they are and how they work: 

Common Ingredients in Teething Gels

• Benzocaine or Lidocaine: Common numbing agents used in many teething gels. It works by blocking nerve signals in the gums.

• Natural Extracts: Some teething gels include natural ingredients like chamomile or clove oil, which are believed to have soothing properties.

How They Work

The gel is applied directly to the gums, where it creates a numbing effect that temporarily reduces pain and discomfort. This can help calm a fussy baby and make teething a bit more bearable.

Benefits of Teething Gels

Teething gels offer several advantages for managing teething pain:

1. Immediate Relief: The numbing effect of teething gels can provide quick relief from pain, helping to soothe a distressed baby.

2. Ease of Use: Teething gels are generally easy to apply. Parents can use a clean finger or applicator to gently rub the gel on the baby’s gums.

3. Additional Benefits: Some teething gels also provide a cooling sensation, which can be comforting for sore gums. Additionally, gels with natural extracts may offer additional soothing effects beyond pain relief.

How to Use Teething Gels

Proper application of teething gels is important for effectiveness and safety:

1. Application Method - Apply a small amount of gel to a clean finger and gently rub it on the baby’s gums. Avoid overusing the gel to prevent potential side effects.

2. Dosage and Frequency - Follow the instructions on the product label for the recommended dosage and frequency. Typically, teething gels are used a few times a day, but not more frequently than advised.

3. Safety Tips - Ensure that the gel is applied carefully to avoid the risk of choking. Do not use more than the recommended amount, and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the product or your baby’s reaction to it.

Effectively managing your baby’s teething pain often involves selecting the right type of teething medicine. Over-the-counter treatments such as teething gels and liquids play a significant role. This section will delve into specific products like Anbesol Gel and Anbesol Liquid, their use cases, benefits, and proper application methods. We will also explore natural remedies that complement these products.

Anbesol Teething Gel

Anbesol Gel is a popular over-the-counter teething remedy that provides numbing relief to sore gums. It contains benzocaine, a local anaesthetic known for its pain-relieving properties. The gel provides focused numbing of the affected area, which can be particularly useful for specific sore spots. The simple application process, making it convenient for parents to administer. Anbesol Gel is suitable for babies aged 5 months and older. It is typically used when your baby is experiencing localised pain from teething. The gel is designed to be applied directly to the gums, offering targeted relief.

Ingredients in Anbesol Gel

Anbesol Teething Gel contains 1.0%w/w of lidocaine hydrochloride, 0.1%w/w of chlorocresol and 0.02%w/w of cetylpyridinium chloride. Lidocaine hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic which works by stopping the sensation of pain. Chlorocresol and cetylpyridinium chloride kill bacteria.

How to Use Anbesol Gel

• Apply a small amount of gel to a clean fingertip or an applicator.

• Gently rub the gel onto the affected area of the gums.

• Use up to 4 times a day, as needed. Avoid applying more frequently than recommended to prevent potential side effects.

Anbesol Liquid

Anbesol Liquid is another form of Anbesol that also contains Lidocaine but in a liquid form. It is used to provide numbing relief for teething pain. Anbesol Liquid can be used for babies from 5 months of age and is often preferred for its ease of application to larger areas of the gums. The liquid can be useful when dealing with widespread gum discomfort or for applying to multiple areas. The liquid form can cover a larger area of the gums more effectively. The dropper allows for precise application, which can be helpful for areas that are difficult to reach with a gel.

Ingredients in Anbesol Liquid

Anbesol Liquid contains 0.9%w/w of lidocaine hydrochloride, 0.1%w/w of chlorocresol and 0.02%w/w of cetylpyridinium chloride. Lidocaine hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic which works by stopping the sensation of pain. Chlorocresol and cetylpyridinium chloride kill bacteria.

How to Use Anbesol Liquid

• Apply Anbesol Liquid using a clean  fingertip, undiluted, to the affected area.

• If necessary, repeat the application after 3 hours.

• Do not use more than 6 times in one day (24-hour period)

Comparison of Anbesol Gel and Liquid

Anbesol Gel is ideal for targeting specific sore spots on the gums, while Anbesol Liquid is better for applying to larger areas or multiple spots. The gel provides a thicker layer of numbing, which may last longer on the gums compared to the liquid. The liquid, however, spreads more easily and can be used to cover a broader surface. Parents may choose the gel for its simplicity and targeted relief, while the liquid might be preferred for its ability to treat extensive areas more quickly.

Ashton & Parsons Teething Powders

These have been traditionally used to soothe the symptoms of teething pain for 150 years.
Ingredients powder contains active ingredient tincture of Matricaria (Matricaria recutita L.) and some other ingredients in the recipe, which have been the same since 1867.

• Ingredients: This gel contains natural ingredients like aloe veraand other herbal extracts known for their soothing properties.

• Ages: Suitable for babies from 3 months of age.

• How to Use: Children aged 3-6 months - give half a sachet. Tip half into a teaspoon. Put the powder slowly on the front of the infant's tongue, a little at a time, allowing the powder to fully dissolve.  Keep the other half in the sachet for the evening. For children over 6 months, give them one sachet in the morning and another in the evening.

• Frequency: Ensure not to overuse the gel. Follow the guidelines on the packaging and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Bonjela Junior Gel

Bonjela Junior Gel is formulated to relieve pain associated with mouth ulcers, denture irritation and brace irritation.

• Ingredients: Bonjela Junior Gel contains Lidocaine Hydrochloride, a local anaesthetic to relieve pain, and Cetylpyridinium Chloride, an antiseptic which helps to prevent infections.

• Ages: Suitable for children over 5 months, adults and the elderly. Not for use in teething infants

• Frequency: Ensure that the gel is not overused. Follow the guidelines on the packaging and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

• Flavour: This comes in a banana flavour and is sugar-free.

• Other Ingredients: Xylitol, water, glycerine, Rosa Damascena petal extract, xanthan gum, hyaluronic acid, potassium sorbate, pectin, sodium benzoate, citric acid, malva Sylvestris extract, Chamomilla Recutita flower extract, Aloe Barbadenis leaf extract.

• Soothes & calms gums

• Fast acting

• No artificial colours,  flavours or sugar

• Contains no parabens

In cases of severe teething pain where OTC products are insufficient, a healthcare provider might prescribe medications.

In addition to teething gels and liquids, natural remedies can also be effective in managing teething discomfort:

Teething Rings

Chill the teething ring in the refrigerator (not the freezer). Allow your baby to chew on it to soothe their gums. Offer the teething ring as often as needed throughout the day. Ensure it is clean and check for wear regularly.

Cold Washcloths

Wet a clean washcloth and chill it in the refrigerator. Let your baby chew or suck on the chilled washcloth to get relief. Use the chilled washcloth a few times a day as needed. Supervise your baby to avoid any choking hazards.

Frozen Fruits

Place small pieces of fruit in a mesh feeder and chill it. The mesh feeder allows your baby to safely chew on the chilled fruit. Offer chilled fruit a few times daily, ensuring it’s age-appropriate and does not pose a choking risk.

Gum Massage

Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger in a circular motion to help alleviate discomfort. Perform gum massages a few times daily, especially before naps or bedtime to provide soothing relief.

While teething gels and remedies can be effective, there are times when it is crucial to seek professional advice:

• Persistent or Severe Pain - If your baby’s teething pain seems unusually severe or persistent despite using remedies, consult a healthcare provider. This might indicate other issues that need addressing.

• Unusual Symptoms - If your baby shows signs of allergic reactions, excessive drooling, or unusual irritability after using a teething product, seek medical advice immediately.