Are Teething Gels and Tablets Safe?

Is your baby teething? Although you may be tempted to reach for a teething gel or tablet, you may want to think twice, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the FDA, those teething tablets and gels that are labeled as homeopathic may pose a risk to your child. In fact, the FDA is advising consumers to dispose of these products if they have recently purchased them. 

The FDA has not evaluated or approved homeopathic teething gels and tablets for safety or effectiveness. And these products have not proved beneficial. 

The agency is advising parents to seek immediate medical attention If their infant or child experiences adverse events after using homeopathic teething gels or tablets. Adverse events may include seizures, trouble breathing, skin flushing, extreme fatigue/sleepiness, difficulty with bowel movements or urinating, weakness of the muscles or agitation. 

The FDA is evaluating adverse events reported since a 2010 safety alert about homeopathic teething tablets was released. The agency said it will continue to communicate more information as it becomes available. 

Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a press release that "We recommend parents and caregivers not give homeopathic teething tablets and gels to children and seek advice from their health care professional for safe alternatives." 

Health care providers and consumers are being advised to report any side effects seen with the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. 

Speak with your child's pediatrician about teething and keeping your child safe.