Teething Powders and Granules: Are They Safe for Babies?

If your baby is uncomfortable with teething, powders and granules can sound like an easy remedy, especially when the packaging is marketed specifically for babies. But these products are not all the same, and “natural” or “homeopathic” does not automatically mean safe or effective.

The NHS does not recommend homeopathic teething products. It says there is no evidence that homeopathic teething products are effective and notes that some unlicensed products advertised online have been linked with serious side effects.

If you are considering teething powders or granules, check exactly what the product is, whether it is licensed for use in the UK, the age it is intended for and how it should be used. A pharmacist can help you assess a product before you give it to your baby.

For ordinary teething discomfort, NHS guidance recommends starting with simpler measures such as a suitable teething ring, gentle gum massage and comfort.

What are teething powders and granules?

Teething powders and granules are products marketed for symptoms associated with teething.

Depending on the brand, they may be described as homeopathic, medicinal or complementary products. Their ingredients and regulatory status can vary.

That means it is not helpful to treat every sachet or tub labelled “teething granules” as though it contains the same thing.

Before using one, read the packaging carefully.

Look for the active ingredients, age guidance, directions, warnings and information about the manufacturer or licence.

If you cannot clearly establish what is in the product or whether it is appropriate for your baby, do not give it until you have checked with a pharmacist.

Are teething powders and granules safe?

There is no single answer that applies to every product.

A medicine that is licensed for use in the UK and used according to its instructions is very different from an unlicensed product bought from an unknown online seller.

The NHS specifically advises against homeopathic teething products and says some unlicensed homeopathic remedies advertised online have been linked with serious side effects.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has also previously warned parents about unlicensed homeopathic teething products after safety concerns involving products manufactured in the United States.

The safest approach is to check the exact product rather than relying on the general words “teething powder” or “teething granules”.

What does homeopathic mean?

Homeopathy is a complementary or alternative treatment based on the use of highly diluted substances.

The NHS says there is no good-quality evidence that homeopathy is effective as a treatment for any health condition.

Some teething granules are marketed as homeopathic products.

That does not mean every teething powder or granule is necessarily homeopathic, so check the label rather than assuming.

If the product is homeopathic, current NHS guidance does not recommend it as a treatment for teething.

Why does the NHS advise against homeopathic teething products?

The NHS states that there is no evidence that homeopathic teething products are effective.

It also warns that some unlicensed homeopathic products advertised online have been linked with serious side effects.

This is particularly relevant with babies because a product may be swallowed rather than simply used externally.

A reassuring label, traditional reputation or description such as “gentle” does not replace evidence about safety, ingredients and appropriate use.

If you are unsure about a product, take the packet or a photograph of the label to a pharmacist and ask them to check it.

What has the MHRA said about teething products?

The MHRA is the UK regulator responsible for medicines and medical devices.

In 2016, it advised parents not to use unlicensed homeopathic teething products after reports in the United States of serious side effects associated with certain products.

The MHRA said licensed homeopathic products available in the UK met appropriate standards of quality and safety, while also advising parents to check that homeopathic teething products carried a marketing authorisation number and to seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional if uncertain.

Current NHS advice goes further on whether these remedies are worth using for teething, stating that homeopathic teething products are not recommended because there is no evidence they are effective.

For parents, the practical message is simple: do not buy an unfamiliar teething remedy online and assume it is suitable because it is labelled homeopathic or natural.

Licensed does not mean proven to relieve teething

It is useful to separate two questions.

The first is whether a product meets the regulatory requirements that apply to it.

The second is whether there is good evidence that it actually helps teething symptoms.

Those are not the same question.

The NHS says there is no evidence that homeopathic teething products are effective.

So even if you come across a product that is legally marketed, you may still prefer to start with the simple teething measures recommended by the NHS.

Be cautious with products bought online

Online shopping makes it easy to find teething remedies sold from outside the UK.

That can also make it harder to establish exactly what you are buying.

The NHS warns specifically about unlicensed homeopathic products advertised online.

Before buying a product for your baby, check:

Who manufactures it
Who is selling it
What ingredients it contains
Whether it is intended for babies
Whether it is licensed or appropriately marketed in the UK
Whether clear instructions are supplied
Whether there are safety warnings
Whether the product is subject to a recall or safety alert

If important information is missing, choose another option.

Natural does not automatically mean safe

Many parents understandably associate words such as natural, herbal or homeopathic with gentleness.

Those words do not tell you whether a product is appropriate for a baby.

A substance can be naturally derived and still cause unwanted effects. A product can also contain ingredients in unexpected amounts or be manufactured to poor standards if it comes from an unreliable source.

For baby medicines and remedies, focus on clear ingredients, recognised guidance and appropriate regulation rather than marketing language.

Do teething granules actually work?

For homeopathic teething granules, the NHS position is clear: there is no evidence that homeopathic teething products are effective.

Parents may still come across reviews saying that a particular product seemed to help.

Individual experiences cannot establish whether the product itself caused the improvement.

Teething discomfort naturally comes and goes, and a baby may calm after being held, fed, distracted or given time.

If you want to try something specifically for sore gums, the NHS recommends starting with options such as a teething ring.

Try a teething ring first

Teething rings are one of the main non-medicinal options recommended by the NHS.

They give babies something safe to chew and may ease discomfort.

Some teething rings can be cooled in the fridge if their instructions allow it.

Do not put a teething ring in the freezer. The NHS warns that a frozen ring could damage your baby’s gums.

Never tie a teething ring around your baby’s neck because this can create a choking hazard.

A simple, appropriately designed teether may be all your baby needs.

Gentle gum massage can help too

You can also try gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger.

Wash your hands first and use light pressure.

If your baby seems to enjoy it, continue for a short time.

If they pull away or become more upset, stop.

You do not need a special powder, gel or gadget to try this option.

Comfort and distraction matter

Teething can make some babies fretful and less settled.

Cuddles, quiet play, talking, singing or a change of activity may help distract them from sore gums.

The NHS includes comforting or playing with a baby among the simple measures parents can try.

Some babies want to chew constantly. Others mainly want to be held.

Follow your baby’s cues rather than feeling that you need to find one particular remedy that works every time.

What about teething gels?

Teething gels are different from powders and granules, but they are another product parents often consider.

The NHS says there is a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective and recommends trying teething rings or appropriate pain relief first.

If a gel is used, it should be specifically designed for young children.

General oral pain-relief gels are not suitable for children.

Some infant teething gels contain lidocaine and are pharmacy medicines in the UK. A pharmacist can advise whether one is appropriate and explain how to use it correctly.

What about paracetamol or ibuprofen?

If your baby appears to be in pain and simple comfort measures are not enough, appropriate pain relief may sometimes be considered.

The NHS says paracetamol can be used for teething symptoms in babies from 2 months, while ibuprofen can be used from 3 months in children weighing more than 5kg.

These medicines are not suitable for every child.

Always use the instructions supplied with the exact product you have and check that it is appropriate for your baby.

If you are unsure which medicine to use or how much to give, ask a pharmacist, GP or another qualified healthcare professional.

Do not guess a dose.

Do not combine remedies without checking

Using several products at once can make it harder to know exactly what your baby has received.

Before combining a teething powder, gel, painkiller or another remedy, check the active ingredients and instructions.

Products with different brand names may contain similar or overlapping ingredients.

If you are uncertain, ask a pharmacist.

Keeping things simple can reduce the risk of medication errors, especially when you are tired and caring for an unsettled baby.

How do you know if your baby is teething?

The NHS lists several possible signs of teething.

These include:

Sore and red gums
One flushed cheek
Increased dribbling
Chewing or gnawing more than usual
Ear rubbing
Increased fretfulness
Sleeping less well
A facial rash
A slightly raised temperature below 38°C

Some babies have very mild symptoms.

Others may be noticeably uncomfortable for a while.

These signs can help you recognise teething, but they should not be used to explain symptoms of illness automatically.

Does teething cause a fever?

The NHS says teething may be associated with a slightly raised temperature below 38°C.

A temperature of 38°C or above is a fever and should not simply be blamed on teething.

If your baby has a fever, follow NHS advice and seek medical help when appropriate.

A baby can be teething and have an infection or another illness at the same time.

Does teething cause diarrhoea?

The NHS says there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea.

If your baby has diarrhoea, vomiting or other symptoms of illness, do not rely on teething remedies to treat them.

Follow current NHS advice and seek professional help if you are concerned.

This is particularly important if your baby is showing signs of dehydration or seems unusually sleepy or unwell.

What if a powder seems to calm your baby?

If you have already used a product and your baby appears calmer afterwards, it can be tempting to assume that the powder caused the improvement.

That may be the case, but it can also be difficult to separate the effect of a product from the natural pattern of teething discomfort, cuddling, distraction or simply time passing.

The more important question is whether the product is appropriate and being used safely.

Check its ingredients, instructions and regulatory information.

If it is homeopathic, remember that the NHS does not recommend homeopathic teething products because there is no evidence that they are effective.

What if someone recommends a teething powder?

Advice from friends, relatives and other parents can be reassuring, but a product that one family used is not automatically appropriate for another baby.

Formulations can change. Products sold under similar names can contain different ingredients. Recommendations online may also refer to products sold in another country.

Before using a suggested remedy, check the current UK information for the exact product.

A pharmacist can help you interpret the label and decide whether it is suitable.

A simple approach to teething remedies

If your baby seems uncomfortable, you can keep your response straightforward.

Look for familiar signs of teething and check that your baby does not seem unwell.
Offer a suitable teething ring.
Try gentle gum massage with a clean finger.
Offer comfort and distraction.
If your baby appears to be in pain, consider appropriate pain relief according to NHS and product guidance.
Ask a pharmacist before using a remedy you are unsure about.
Avoid unlicensed products from unfamiliar online sellers.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are significant, unusual or persistent.

You do not need to buy every teething product you see.

For many families, a safe teether and a few simple comfort measures are enough to start with.

When to get professional advice

Ask a pharmacist before giving your baby teething powders, granules or another medicinal or complementary product if you are unsure what it contains, whether it is licensed or whether it is suitable for your baby’s age.

Contact your GP, health visitor or NHS 111 if your baby seems unwell, remains very distressed, has significant or persistent pain, is feeding much less than usual or has symptoms that concern you.

A temperature of 38°C or above should not simply be attributed to teething. The NHS says teething may be associated with a slightly raised temperature below 38°C, and there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea.

If you think your baby has had an unexpected reaction after taking a teething product, seek medical advice. Suspected side effects from medicines can also be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Seek urgent medical help if your baby has severe difficulty breathing, is difficult to wake, has a seizure or appears seriously unwell.