Any parent who’s been through the teething stage knows how tough it can be. Those tiny teeth pushing through tender gums can cause endless crying, dribbling, red cheeks and sleepless nights. For babies, it’s uncomfortable and sometimes painful. For parents, it often feels like nothing will soothe their little one for more than a few minutes. From teething rings and chilled cloths to specially made gels, there have always been plenty of options. But now, one of the most trusted teething products in Adelaide has been taken off the market, raising important questions about what’s safe and what isn’t when it comes to easing teething pain.

The Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide has stopped making and selling its popular teething gel because of safety concerns about one of its key ingredients: lidocaine. This local anaesthetic is often used in medical settings to numb areas before procedures, but health authorities say it isn’t safe for babies in teething products. International and Australian medical bodies now strongly recommend against giving young children products containing lidocaine because of the risk of overdose.

Usha Ritchie, the Deputy Director of Pharmacy at WCH, explained the decision:  “International and Australian medicines organisations warn against using lidocaine in teething gels for infants. As lidocaine is the active ingredient in the WCH Teething Gel, it will no longer be manufactured or available for sale. These recommendations take into account a small number of incidents overseas where infants and children have been harmed after consuming too much lidocaine."

The move follows reports from overseas of babies and young children becoming unwell after consuming too much lidocaine. In some cases, serious harm has been linked to misuse of these products. In 2014, FDA reviewed 22 case reports of serious adverse reactions, including “deaths, in infants and young children 5 months to 3.5 years of age who were given oral viscous lidocaine 2 percent solution for the treatment of mouth pain, including teething and stomatitis, or who had accidental ingestions”.

While South Australian children haven’t suffered major health problems from the gel, WCH has seen some emergency department visits related to overuse. Thankfully, none of these cases led to long-term harm. Still, officials stress that the risks are too high to ignore.

One of the biggest problems with teething gels that contain lidocaine is that it’s hard to control how much a baby actually swallows. Gels are applied inside the mouth, and babies naturally swallow a portion of it. Even when parents are careful, it’s difficult to guarantee a safe dose. Babies are also very sensitive to medication, and what seems like a small amount can be too much for their tiny bodies.

Because of this unpredictability, health organisations around the world are taking a strong stance: avoid lidocaine-based teething gels altogether.

Ms Ritchie reassured families that if the gel was used sparingly and according to the instructions, children were unlikely to have been harmed. But she also made it clear that the hospital had to follow best practice and put children’s safety first.

Teething is tough: on babies and on parents. Red cheeks, dribbling, constant gnawing and sleepless nights can make the whole household feel worn out. So what can families do without medicated gels? Health experts recommend going back to simple, safe and natural methods, such as:

• Teething rings: Chill (but don’t freeze) a teething ring for your baby to chew on. The coolness helps soothe sore gums.
• Cold washcloth: A clean, damp cloth popped in the fridge for a while can be a lifesaver. Babies love chewing on the firm but soft texture.
• Safe chew toys: There are many baby-safe teething toys on the market made from silicone or natural rubber. These give babies something satisfying to bite on.
• Chilled foods (for older babies): If your little one has started solids, you can offer chilled fruit like cucumber or apple slices in a mesh feeder. This provides comfort and a healthy snack in one.
• Extra cuddles and comfort: Sometimes what babies need most is reassurance. A cuddle, some gentle rocking, and a calm environment can make teething easier to cope with.

Doctors also advise parents to avoid old remedies that can be unsafe, such as rubbing alcohol or honey on gums. Over-the-counter gels and tablets marketed for teething should also be approached with caution. Always check ingredients and speak to a healthcare professional before using them.

For ongoing teething troubles, your GP, pharmacist, or child health nurse can provide guidance and recommend safe alternatives.

Teething is one of those universal parenting challenges; every baby goes through it, and every parent looks for ways to help. Parents are encouraged to lean on safe, natural methods like teething rings, cold cloths, and plenty of cuddles. It might not be a magic cure, but it keeps babies safe while helping them through an important stage of development.