Natural Teething Remedies

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Medically Reviewed by Sarah Daglis, ND, MS

Published June 12, 2025
Last Updated June 15, 2025

There’s a reason the phrase “cutting teeth” has become shorthand for life’s more painful transitions. The arrival of baby teeth can be an uncomfortable and sometimes distressing experience for both infants and their caregivers.

Hidden just beneath the gums lies a full set of baby teeth waiting to erupt. Typically, teething begins between 4 and 8 months, starting with the lower front teeth (also known as the lower incisors). Primary molars usually come in between 30 and 36 months. However, this timeline is not set in stone. Variations of up to 6 months in either direction are considered normal.¹

As teeth emerge in stages, pain and inflammation can make gums tender, itchy, and sore. Babies often find relief through sucking, biting, or “gumming” fingers and soft objects.²

Although some infants breeze through teething without noticeable discomfort, others may show clear signs just before or after a tooth breaks through. Common symptoms include the following²:

Irritability
Drooling
Ear pulling or rubbing
Loss of appetite
Restlessness or sleep disturbances
Mild fever

In some instances, symptoms may escalate, including ear infections, cough, croup, respiratory issues, upset stomach (such as diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting), and even weight loss.

How to soothe sore gums

Topical strategies, like gently massaging the gums with a cool, damp washcloth; offering chilled teething rings; or letting babies chew on soft, age-appropriate frozen fruits or vegetables (always monitoring for choking hazards), can provide relief.³ Simple distractions, like reading, cuddling, or singing, also go a long way.

Amber teething jewelry is another popular option. Made from Baltic amber, these necklaces contain succinic acid, believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The idea is that this compound is absorbed through the skin.⁴ While more scientific evidence is needed, one study reported more than 83 percent of parents observed benefits, with nearly 35 percent stating the necklaces were highly effective.⁵ That said, safety is crucial. Necklaces must be used with caution to avoid strangulation and choking risk (should they break).⁶

Edible teethers, such as dissolvable crackers or wafers, offer another soothing solution. Many parents have reported noticeable improvements in children’s mood and temperament after offering teething biscuits.⁷

Teething gels are widely available, but the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against those containing lidocaine or benzocaine. These ingredients can be swallowed quickly, limiting effectiveness and possibly causing harm.⁸

Essential oils

Though research is limited, some essential oils have a long-standing history in pain and anxiety relief. Clove oil, used for years in dentistry, can ease gum pain. It shouldn’t be used on infants under two and must always be diluted to avoid irritation.⁹

Chamomile is another gentle option, known for its calming effects. It can be applied as an oil or given in tea form to reduce teething symptoms.¹⁰

Aromatherapy may also help. Inhaling diluted essential oils, like lavender or sweet orange, has been shown to reduce dental anxiety in children.¹¹ One study even found lavender more effective than patchouli oil in reducing dental-related fear.¹²

Homeopathic teething tablets

Homeopathy is another avenue many parents explore for teething relief. Homeopathic teething tablets contain quick-dissolving pellets that can be placed under the tongue or mixed with milk or water.¹⁰

The Food and Drug Administration previously raised safety concerns about tablets containing belladonna, citing potential health risks.¹³ However, some experts disagreed, claiming the FDA acted without concrete evidence of harm.¹⁴

Despite the controversy, some research suggests homeopathic products may help reduce excessive drooling and gum discomfort.¹⁵^,¹⁰ For families interested in this route, it’s best to consult a licensed naturopathic doctor to ensure proper and safe use.

When to see the dentist

Children should see a dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, at the latest.¹⁶

Early visits help monitor development, establish healthy oral care routines, and address any teething concerns before they become problematic. These early appointments also provide a chance for parents to ask questions and get support on topics like brushing, diet, and fluoride, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Footnotes

1
Karjiker YI, Morkel JA. Teething symptoms and management during infancy—a narrative review. S Afr Den J. 2020/75(2). https://doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2020/v75no2a5
2
Wuni A, Iddrisu M, Angliengmene A, et al. Knowledge and management practices of infant teething symptoms among mothers in a tertiary facility in Ghana. Pan Afr Med J. 2024;47. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2024.47.65.40792
3
Memarpour M, Soltanimehr E, Eskandarian T. Signs and symptoms associated with primary tooth eruption: a clinical trial of nonpharmacological remedies. BMC Oral Health. 2015;15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0070-2
4
Nissen MD, Lau E, Cabot PJ, Steadman KJ. Baltic amber teething necklaces: could succinic acid leaching from beads provide anti-inflammatory effects. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):162. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2574-9
5
Aktura B, Dertli M, Ozen E, et al. Knowledge and experiences of families regarding amber necklaces. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023;23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-04130-5
6
Teething Necklaces and Beads: A Caution for Parents. HealthyChildren.org. Accessed June 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Amber-Teething-Necklaces.aspx
7
Lerond C, Hudry J, Zahar S, et al. Soothing effects of an edible teether: a pilot study in children during primary dentition age. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2021;14(4):525-530. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2002
8
American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby teething gels not recommended. AAP News. 2014;35(8). https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/article/35/8/32/24916/Baby-teething-gels-not-recommended?autologincheck=redirected
9
Singh I, Kaur P, Kaushal U, et al. Essential oils in treatment and management of dental diseases. Biointerface Res Appl Chem. 2022;12(6). https://biointerfaceresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20695837126.72677286.pdf
10
Canto FMT, Costa Neto OC, Loureiro JM, et al. Efficacy of treatments used to relieve signs and symptoms associated with teething: a systematic review. Braz Oral Res. 2022 May 2;36:e066. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2022.vol36.0066
11
Nirmala K, Kamatham R. Effect of aromatherapy on dental anxiety and pain in children undergoing local anesthetic administrations: a randomized clinical trial. J Caring Sci. 2021;10(3):111-120. https://doi.org/10.34172/jcs.2021.026
12
Tripathy S, Kohli A, Sharma K, et al. Comparative evaluation between lavender essential oil and patchouli essential oil in aromatherapy and its effect on dental anxiety in children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2023;16(5):681-685. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2674
13
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns consumers about homeopathic teething products. 2019;Nov 4. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/fda-warns-consumers-about-homeopathic-teething-products
14
Lennihan B. Food and Drug Administration action against homeopathic teething tablets lacked evidence base. Altern Complement Ther. 2018;24(1). https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/act.2017.29148.ble
15
Jong MC, Verwer C, van de Vijver L, et al. A randomized open comparative clinical trial on the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of a homeopathic medicinal product for the treatment of painful teething in children. Altern Integr Med. 2015;4(1). https://scispace.com/papers/a-randomized-open-comparative-clinical-trial-on-the-28e6vgngaf
16
American Dental Association. Baby teeth. MouthHealthy. Accessed April 23, 2025. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/baby-teeth

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Our dedicated content team of professional staff writers represents decades of experience covering essential natural health topics in an accessible, evidence-based, and engaging way. Guided by a shared passion for holistic well-being, each and every one of our writers strives to empower our readers to take charge of their health.

Supported by a rigorous fact-checking and medical editing process from licensed naturopathic doctors that examines the latest in peer-reviewed research, our team brings their in-depth knowledge of natural health practices into every piece of content we produce. We strive to be the gold standard for evidence-based natural medicine, providing trustworthy information and inspiring narratives to help you live your best health, naturally.

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