Research shows teething products may contain alcohol, lidocaine, or sucrose

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 2. October 2019

save

LONDON, UK: Though teething is a difficult experience for both parents and their babies, a judicious decision-making process should be employed when selecting a product to relieve it. This, at least, is the conclusion reached in a recent study regarding teething products in the UK.

The research examined all 14 teething products currently licensed for commercial sale in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The results revealed that two products contained sucrose, which could cause newly erupted primary teeth to undergo decay, as these products are applied directly to the teeth. Six products were found to contain alcohol, which has a number of potential side effects, including impaired motor development.

All six of the teething gels licensed by MHRA were found to contain lidocaine at a 1% or less solution. In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration found that the presence of viscous lidocaine at a 2% solution had been associated with 22 adverse reactions, including six deaths.

向下滚动

In response to the research, the British Dental Association (BDA) has urged parents to be aware of which teething products could be potentially harmful for their children.

“Parents buying teething powders to save infants from distress won’t always realise they’re offering their kids sugars, alcohol or lidocaine,” said Chair of the BDA’s Principal Executive Committee Dr Mick Armstrong.

“Buying a licensed product should offer confidence you’re making a safe choice. The reality is consumers are navigating a minefield of potentially harmful ingredients. We need to see real change in the way these products are licensed and marketed, and clear guidance so parents understand the risks. If your little one is suffering, then a teething ring kept cool in the fridge is all you need,” Armstrong added.

The study, titled “Teething products may be harmful to health”, was published on 27 September 2019 in the British Dental Journal.

Tags:

To post a reply please login or register

New research shows drinking affects oral bacteria

NEW YORK, U.S.: Many people enjoy a drink, and now researchers from the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine have identified that alcohol ...

New research may one day revolutionize endodontics

BOSTON, U.S.: Root canal therapy and the materials and techniques used to perform them are continually evolving. However, the fact remains that after the ...

New research may expedite regenerative dentistry

STOCKHOLM, Sweden: Understanding of cell types and the mechanisms of dental growth is essential for the reconstruction and engineering of teeth. Therefore, ...

Third molar extraction may have positive effect on sense of taste

PHILADELPHIA, U.S.: Taste disorders and other neurosensory defects have been reported postoperatively in a number of patients who have undergone extraction ...

FEFU scientists may have found way to grow new teeth for patients

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia: A group of histologists and dentists from the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) have collaborated with Russian and Japanese ...

New research may revolutionize root canal treatment

PORTLAND, Ore., USA: Researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have developed a revolutionary process by which to engineer new blood ...

Webinar to discuss periodontal side effects of orthodontic treatment

Although orthodontic treatment has become increasingly commonplace, its periodontal side effects are often overlooked. In a free CURADEN webinar on Tuesday,...

New research explores effect of strawberries in oral cancer therapy

COLUMBUS, Ohio, USA: As previous laboratory studies have suggested that dietary administration of whole strawberries has substantial potential as a strategy...

Obesity in New Zealand may be connected with negative effects on oral health

NEW PLYMOUTH, New Zealand: With its good weather and outdoor-focused style of life, it seems unexpected that obesity would be an issue in New Zealand. ...

New research shows saliva could be key to understanding human evolution

BUFFALO, N.Y., U.S.: Much is already known about saliva’s benefits for food digestion and general oral health. The differences between human saliva and ...

Education

Live webinar
Tue. 23 September 2025
10:00 am EST (New York)