Dentist Warning: Most Teething Gels Only Mask Pain — They Don't Support Your Baby's Teeth
Written by Dr Jack Brazel BChD, Dentist
Last updated: March 2026
Teething is one of the most challenging stages for both babies and parents.
Sore gums, restless nights, and constant discomfort often lead parents to try multiple solutions, from powders to gels to teething toys, with mixed results.
If your baby is teething, you've probably already tried a few things...
- •Teething toys that only help for a few minutes
- •Gels that seem to work briefly, then wear off
- •Natural remedies that don't seem to make much difference
And after all of that, you're still dealing with:
- •A fussy baby
- •Disrupted sleep
- •Sore, irritated gums
For many parents, the most frustrating part is that nothing seems to work consistently.
The issue isn't that teething relief doesn't work, it's that most solutions are only addressing part of the problem.
What's Actually Happening During Teething?
When babies are teething, it's not just about surface discomfort.
There are two things happening at the same time:
1. Gum inflammation
As teeth begin to push through, the surrounding gum tissue becomes irritated and inflamed.
This is what causes:
- •Soreness
- •Swelling
- •Sensitivity
2. Changes in the oral environment
At the same time, the mouth is undergoing a major transition:
- •New teeth are forming
- •Oral bacteria begin to establish
- •Enamel is developing
This means the mouth isn't just irritated, it's also developing its long-term oral health foundation.
Most teething products focus only on soothing gums, but ignore what's happening to developing teeth.
Why many common solutions fall short
They address symptoms, not the full mechanism.
Why Parents Are Moving Away from Numbing Gels
In the UK, parents are generally encouraged to try simple, non-medical teething approaches first, such as chilled teething rings. Teething gels that contain local anaesthetic ingredients may offer temporary numbing, but they are not usually the first option many parents now choose.
Because these products require more careful use in young children, many parents prefer gentler alternatives that can be used more regularly during the teething stage.
This has led to a growing shift towards teething products that soothe gums without numbing the mouth.
What Should an Effective Teething Gel Do?
A more complete approach to teething would:
- Help soothe irritated gums
- Use gentle, baby-safe ingredients
- Support developing teeth and enamel
- Help protect enamel from sugars in the diet before toothpaste is introduced
- Avoid strong numbing agents
- Be suitable for regular use
Ideally, a teething gel should combine both natural soothing ingredients and oral health support, not just one or the other.
A Different Approach to Teething Relief
One product that takes this more complete approach is MamaSmiles Teething Gel.
So when we looked at the most popular teething products available in the UK, we focused on which ones actually meet these criteria, not just which ones are most widely known.
Developed by dentists, it combines:
Natural soothing ingredients
- Aloe vera
- Chamomile
- Curcumin (from turmeric)
Commonly used to help calm and soothe irritated gums.
Oral health support
- Xylitol
- Hydroxyapatite
Widely used in modern dentistry to support enamel development.
What parents like about it:
- •Gentle enough for regular use
- •No numbing agents
- •Fluoride-free
- •Mild berry flavour
This makes it one of the few teething gels that combines natural soothing with early oral care support.
What Parents Notice Most
“Honestly this is the best teething product we have tried. It really does almost instantly soothe Sonny's teething and he lets us really rub it in, so he must like the taste too! I ordered one for at my mums house for when she has him as she said when she was trying to get him to sleep he was fighting it and grinding his teeth, so she popped some on and he settled almost immediately! Its amazing!”
— Sophie H., Verified purchase
Easier application
Parents love how easy it is to apply
Baby likes the flavour
Mild berry taste, no resistance
More complete alternative
Goes beyond standard gel benefits
“I think I've finally found the answer to my problem. It soothed my baby almost immediately and she seems to love the taste.”
— Harry B., Verified purchase
How Does It Compare to Other Teething Gels?
| Feature | MamaSmiles | Ashton & Parsons | Nelsons | Anbesol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural soothing ingredients | ✓ | ✓ | Partial | ✗ |
| Oral health support | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| No numbing agents | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Suitable for regular use | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Weaker fit |
Combines natural soothing ingredients with proven oral health support. Includes xylitol and hydroxyapatite for enamel development.
Time-tested herbal formula that has been trusted by parents for generations. Focuses on soothing without numbing agents.
Homeopathic approach to teething relief. Popular with parents who prefer traditional remedies, though potency varies.
Contains numbing agents - not recommended for babies
Numbing-based relief that works quickly. However, most health experts now recommend alternatives for young children.
MamaSmiles Teething Gel
Best OverallCombines natural soothing ingredients with proven oral health support. Includes xylitol and hydroxyapatite for enamel development.
Ashton & Parsons Teething Gel
Time-tested herbal formula that has been trusted by parents for generations. Focuses on soothing without numbing agents.
Nelsons Teetha Gel
Homeopathic approach to teething relief. Popular with parents who prefer traditional remedies, though potency varies.
Anbesol Teething Gel
Contains numbing agents - not recommended for babies
Numbing-based relief that works quickly. However, most health experts now recommend alternatives for young children.
If your baby is currently teething and you're looking for a gentle, more complete approach, it may be worth considering a teething gel that supports both gums and developing teeth.
View MamaSmiles Teething Gel