Teething Remedies in Canada Safe or Unsafe
When your baby starts teething, it can feel like the rules change overnight. What actually works? What’s risky? This Canadian guide walks you through safe, simple soothing methods, what to skip (and why), and when to call a dentist.
What are safe teething remedies in Canada?
Safe relief includes gentle gum massage with a clean finger, a clean damp washcloth chilled in the fridge, and a solid, BPA-free teether cooled (not frozen). Talk to your child’s doctor or pharmacist about age-appropriate pain medicine. Avoid benzocaine gels, teething necklaces, alcohol, and homeopathic belladonna products.
Teething 101: What’s normal, what’s not
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months (anywhere from 4–10 months is common). Classic teething signs include drooling, swollen or tender gums, gnawing, and fussiness. Mild temperature bumps may happen, but high fever, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea usually point to something else—call your health provider.
When to call a dentist
Reach out if your baby has tooth eruption that looks bluish-purple and very swollen (eruption cysts), obvious decay or spots on early teeth, persistent bad breath, or if you’re unsure what you’re seeing. A first visit by age one helps prevent problems and gives you tailored guidance. For a step-by-step primer, see when to book that first dental visit.
Safe, dentist-approved teething relief
Cool comfort
Use a clean, damp washcloth or a one-piece, BPA-free teether chilled in the fridge. Cool helps numb sore gums and reduces inflammation. Avoid the freezer—rock-hard surfaces can bruise or damage delicate gum tissue.
Gentle pressure
Wash your hands and slowly massage the gums with a clean finger or a soft silicone finger brush. Gentle pressure often calms babies quickly.
Feeding and hydration tips
Offer cold purées or yogurt (if age-appropriate) from a spoon, and cool water in a sippy cup for older infants. Hydration helps if there’s lots of drool and mouth breathing. Wipe drool often and apply a thin barrier cream to protect the chin from rash.
Pain relievers—use carefully
Ask your child’s doctor or a pharmacist about acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the right age and dose. Never give aspirin to children. Don’t put adult medications directly on the gums.
What to skip in Canada—and why
Benzocaine or lidocaine numbing gels
Health Canada warns that benzocaine-containing teething gels can cause rare but serious blood disorders (methemoglobinemia), and numbing the throat increases choking risk. Topical anesthetics also wash away quickly in saliva, so they’re not very helpful. Skip them.
Homeopathic belladonna tablets or gels
Regulators have issued warnings about variable belladonna content in some homeopathic teething products. Because dosing can be unpredictable, avoid these remedies.
Teething necklaces and bracelets
Amber, wooden, or silicone bead necklaces can pose strangulation and choking hazards. Health authorities advise against them—especially during sleep or unsupervised moments.
Frozen objects and hard foods
Frozen bagels, carrots, or rock-hard toys can bruise gums or chip emerging teeth. Stick with chilled (not frozen) items.
Alcohol, essential oils, and honey
Alcohol on gums is unsafe. Essential oils can irritate a baby’s mouth. Never give honey to children under one (risk of infant botulism).
“The Canadian Dental Association recommends that a child be assessed by a dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age.” — Canadian Dental Association (CDA)
Smart shopping: A Canadian teething product checklist
Look for a one-piece, solid, BPA-free teether that’s easy to clean. Avoid small parts, beads, or strings. For silicone finger brushes, choose medical-grade silicone and rinse after each use. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions—many teethers can be hand-washed in warm soapy water and air-dried.
If you consider an over-the-counter medication, check for a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label, and verify the age range. When in doubt, ask a Canadian pharmacist to review the product before using it for teething.
Comfort routines that actually help
Build a soothing pattern
Try a simple cycle: cuddle, gum massage, a chilled teether for a few minutes, a favorite book or song, then rest. Consistency can make evenings smoother when gums feel the most tender.
Keep mouths clean—yes, even before teeth
Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth once daily. When the first tooth appears, brush twice daily with a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled brush. For easy, age-based brushing ideas, see these kid-friendly brushing tips.
Protect the skin
Frequent drool can irritate the skin around the mouth. Pat dry often and use a thin, fragrance-free barrier cream (like petrolatum) on the chin and lips, especially before naps.
Red flags: It’s likely not teething if…
High fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, or ear-tugging with persistent fever probably aren’t from teething alone. Call your pediatrician, nurse line, or family doctor. If your baby refuses fluids, seems very unwell, or you notice facial swelling, seek urgent care.
Teething and sleep: Practical, gentle tips
- Use a consistent bedtime routine plus a short gum massage before lights out.
- Offer a chilled, one-piece teether for a few minutes—then remove it before sleep.
- If your doctor okays a pain reliever, time the dose so it helps overnight.
Teething and dental care in Canada: Why early visits matter
Early dental visits help you catch small issues early—like enamel defects, early decay, or eruption problems—and give you personalized guidance on fluoride and feeding. Learn what happens and the benefits in this overview of common kids’ dental issues.
Quick reference: Safe vs unsafe at a glance
Safe
- Clean finger gum massage
- Chilled (not frozen) one-piece teethers or damp washcloth
- Age-appropriate pain reliever recommended by your doctor or pharmacist
- Hydration, cuddles, and simple routines
Unsafe
- Benzocaine/lidocaine gels on gums
- Homeopathic belladonna teething products
- Teething necklaces/bracelets
- Frozen rock-hard foods or toys
- Alcohol, essential oils in the mouth, and honey before age one
Conclusion
Teething is temporary—but the habits you build now last. Stick to simple, proven comforts (gentle pressure and cool relief), avoid risky gels and jewelry, and begin early dental care. If you’re unsure whether a symptom is “just teething,” call your health provider or dentist. A little guidance now can save a lot of stress later.
FAQ
Do teething gels work?
Topical numbing gels (like benzocaine) are not recommended in Canada for teething. They can be risky and don’t last long in a baby’s mouth. Choose gentle gum massage, chilled teethers, and ask your doctor about pain relievers instead.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. They pose strangulation and choking hazards. Health authorities advise against them, especially during sleep or unsupervised time. Use a handheld, one-piece teether you can clean easily.
Can I freeze a teether?
A chilled teether is fine. A frozen, rock-hard one isn’t—extreme cold can bruise gums or damage tissue. Keep it in the fridge, not the freezer.
How long does teething pain last?
Discomfort tends to come in short waves (days to a week) around each erupting tooth. Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by about age three.
What pain reliever can I give my baby?
Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist for the right option and dose for your child’s age and health. Never use aspirin in children, and don’t apply adult medications directly to the gums.
When should my child see a dentist?
The CDA recommends a first dental visit within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by the first birthday. Learn what to expect at that visit here.
