Identifying Natural vs. Synthetic Teething Remedies

25 November 2025

Teething is one of those milestones every parent both anticipates and dreads. Your baby’s first teeth are coming in—adorable! But the drooling, fussiness, and discomfort? Not so cute. If you’ve spent sleepless nights trying to soothe your little one, you already know the struggle is real.

When it comes to teething remedies, there’s an ongoing debate between natural and synthetic options. Which ones actually work? Which ones are safest for your baby? Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your little one’s teething journey.

Understanding Teething Pain

Before we dive into remedies, let’s talk about why teething hurts so much. Baby teeth are pushing through the gums, which causes swelling, irritation, and tenderness. Some babies handle it like champs, while others turn into tiny, inconsolable messes.

You might notice symptoms like:

- Excessive drooling
- Irritability or fussiness
- Restless sleep
- A constant need to chew on everything
- Swollen or red gums

Since every baby is different, what works for one might not work for another. That’s why it’s important to explore all teething relief options—both natural and synthetic.

Natural Teething Remedies

Natural remedies are often a go-to choice for parents who prefer chemical-free and holistic solutions. These methods typically focus on soothing gums through cold, pressure, and natural ingredients.

1. Chilled Washcloth

A simple but effective trick: wet a clean washcloth, chill it in the fridge (not the freezer), and let your baby gnaw on it. The cold numbs the gums while the texture massages sore spots. Plus, it’s completely safe—no weird ingredients to worry about.

2. Cold Fruit or Veggies

Does your baby love to chew? Give them a chilled (not frozen) stick of cucumber, a slice of cold apple, or a peeled carrot. The coolness soothes their gums, while the texture helps alleviate pressure. Just be sure to supervise closely to prevent choking.

3. Amber Teething Necklaces: Are They Safe?

Amber teething necklaces have been hyped as a natural remedy, but they're controversial. The idea is that amber releases succinic acid when warmed by the baby's skin, which supposedly reduces inflammation. However, experts warn that teething necklaces pose choking and strangulation hazards. So, if you’re considering this option, proceed with caution.

4. Breastfeeding for Comfort

If you’re breastfeeding, your baby might find comfort in nursing more often during teething. The sucking motion can relieve pressure on their gums, and skin-to-skin contact provides extra reassurance during this uncomfortable phase.

5. Homemade Teething Biscuits

Making simple, sugar-free teething biscuits can give your baby something safe to gnaw on. Look for recipes using ingredients like oats and bananas—gentle on tiny tummies and firm enough to provide relief.

6. Chamomile Tea Rub

Chamomile has natural calming properties. You can brew weak chamomile tea, let it cool, and rub a little on your baby’s gums with a clean finger. It may help reduce inflammation and soothe fussiness.

Synthetic Teething Remedies

While natural solutions can be great, sometimes they just don’t cut it. That’s when synthetic options might come into play. These remedies are designed to provide faster, more targeted relief.

1. Teething Gels & Numbing Agents

Over-the-counter teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine were once popular, but doctors now advise against them. These ingredients can cause serious side effects, including a rare but dangerous condition called methemoglobinemia, which affects oxygen levels in the blood.

If you’re considering a teething gel, opt for one with natural ingredients like clove oil or aloe vera. Always check with your pediatrician before applying anything to your baby’s gums.

2. Silicone Teething Toys

Unlike natural wooden teething rings, silicone teethers are synthetic but completely safe when made from food-grade materials. Many come filled with cooling gel or special textures to provide soothing relief. Just pop them in the fridge for extra comfort.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

If your baby is really struggling, infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can help ease the discomfort. These medications should be used cautiously and only under the guidance of your pediatrician.

Ibuprofen is generally safe for babies over six months, while acetaminophen can be given to younger infants. Always follow dosing recommendations and avoid using them as a long-term solution.

Choosing the Best Teething Remedy for Your Baby

So, how do you decide between natural and synthetic remedies? It really depends on a few factors:

- How severe is your baby’s teething pain? If your little one is just mildly fussy, a chilled washcloth or teething toy may be enough. For more intense discomfort, you might need to consider over-the-counter pain relief.
- Do you prefer natural methods? Many parents lean toward natural solutions first and turn to synthetic options only when necessary.
- What does your pediatrician recommend? If you’re ever in doubt, your baby’s doctor can guide you toward the safest and most effective remedy.

Teething Myths: What Not to Do

With so much teething advice floating around, it’s important to separate facts from fiction. Here are a few things to avoid:

- Rubbing alcohol or whiskey on gums – This old-school method is dangerous and not recommended by doctors.
- Using frozen teethers – Freezing makes them too hard and can actually damage your baby’s gums. Chilling is best.
- Giving honey to babies under one year – Honey can contain bacteria that cause botulism in infants. Definitely not worth the risk.
- Overusing teething gels – Even natural gels should be used sparingly and under supervision.

The Bottom Line

Teething can be tough, but with the right approach, you can help your baby find relief. Whether you stick to natural methods like chilled washcloths and teething biscuits or turn to synthetic solutions like silicone teethers and infant pain relievers, the key is to find what works best for your baby.

And remember: teething is just a phase. It might feel never-ending now, but before you know it, those little teeth will be shining in all their glory, and your sleepless nights will be a distant memory. Hang in there, parents—you got this!