Natural teething remedies 2026: What are natural teething remedies and where to find them?

Teething is a stage that many parents feel anxious about. Horror stories of sleepless nights, unsettled babies and painful gums are common, often combined with uncertainty about what is normal. Which teeth should come first? Are they arriving at the right time? What can you realistically do to help your baby through this stage?

At Bickiepegs Healthcare, we have supported babies and parents through teething and early oral development for over 100 years. This article brings together current evidence, parental experience and practical guidance to help you make informed, safe choices.

 

Table of contents

1. What is teething?
2. When does teething usually start?
3. How do I know if my baby is teething?
4. My baby is in pain. What actually helps?
5. Key safety considerations
6. Where to get natural teething remedies?

 

1. What is teething?

Teething is the natural developmental process where a baby’s teeth slowly push through the gums. This is a normal part of growing up and happens to all children. It is a normal physical milestone that all children go through.

Teeth play an important role in chewing and breaking down food. Their arrival often happens around the same time as other changes, such as weaning, when babies begin to explore thicker and more textured foods. Teething is therefore closely linked to feeding development and the gradual move away from an exclusively milk based diet.

2. When does teething usually start?

Most babies develop their first tooth at around 6 months of age, most commonly the lower central incisors [1]. By around 30 months of age, many children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth).

That said, the timing of teething varies widely. Some babies begin teething as early as 4 months, while others may not cut their first tooth until later in infancy. Early or late teething, on its own, is usually not a cause for concern. If you have any concerns, always consult your paediatrician for further advice.

 

3. How do I know if my baby is teething?

The most obvious sign of teething is seeing or feeling a tooth erupting through the gum. However, many babies show signs before the tooth becomes visible.

Common signs that parents often notice include [2]:

• Gum irritation or swelling

• Increased drooling and salivation

• A strong desire to bite or chew

• Sleep disturbance

• Poor feeding

• Mild fever

Some parents also report symptoms such as loose stools or general irritability. It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to teething and may be caused by other illnesses. Mild discomfort and irritability are common during teething. However, teething should not cause a high fever, ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting or serious illness.

UK health guidance advises that symptoms such as a high temperature (above 38°C), persistent diarrhoea, rash or lethargy should not be attributed to teething alone and should be assessed by a healthcare professional [4].

Equally, some babies experience little to no discomfort at all when teething.

 

4. My baby is in pain. What actually helps?

Seeing your baby in discomfort can be distressing. There are several approaches parents commonly use to help soothe teething pain.

 

Medicinal options

Before giving any medication, always consult a healthcare professional.

According to NHS guidance, paracetamol can be used for babies over 2 months of age, and ibuprofen for babies over 3 months of age, provided it is used at the correct dose for your child’s age and weight [4]. Always follow the instructions on the packaging or advice from a pharmacist or doctor.

Natural physical remedies

Many parents find that letting their baby chew on firm, resistive items can help ease gum pressure as teeth come through. Chewing provides counter pressure against the gums, which may temporarily reduce discomfort.

From a development point of view, chewing on firmer textures gives babies experience with different mouth movements and sensations. This exposure helps babies learn how to manage food in their mouths and gradually develop chewing skills and oral control. Research shows that the development of oral processing and eating behaviours is shaped by exposure to food textures and the chewing actions that come with them. [3]. This does not mean teething products directly create development. Instead, safe chewing experiences can support normal mouth development when used correctly and under supervision.

Examples of commonly used natural physical remedies include:

• Mango pits with all flesh removed

• Rib or chicken drumsticks with cartilage and meat fully removed

• Frozen vegetable sticks such as carrots or celery [5]

There are also purpose designed teething biscuits with a firm texture that function in a similar way to frozen vegetables. In contrast, teething wafers dissolve quickly and are primarily snacks rather than resistive chewing tools.

Bickiepegs teething biscuits are firm, resistive biscuits made from wheat flour, wheat germ and water only, with no added sugar or salt. When used under supervision, they can serve as a natural physical teething aid.

When choosing natural teething products, look for options with no added sugar or salt, as excessive sugar intake is not beneficial for developing teeth.

Because these natural physical items are food based or food like in texture, close supervision is essential. Always monitor your baby while chewing and limit chewing time to make sure whole pieces are not bitten off.

Teethers

Teethers are widely available in a range of shapes and materials. Choose teethers made from approved, baby safe materials and ensure they are appropriate for your baby’s age.

Some teethers contain liquid to help them stay cool for longer. These should only contain non toxic liquids, such as distilled water or approved gels, and should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Homeopathic teething products

Homeopathic teething powders and gels are available on the market. There is currently no good evidence that these products are effective for teething pain.

The NHS does not recommend homeopathic teething remedies. If parents choose to use one, it should be licensed for use in the UK [4].

5. Key safety considerations

• Always supervise your baby when they are chewing on food based or resistive teething items

• Avoid products with added sugar or salt

• Be cautious about attributing symptoms such as fever or diarrhoea solely to teething

• Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or concerning

6. Where to get natural teething remedies?

You can find some of the natural teething remedies from your everyday groceries as mentioned in the section of natural physical remedies. There are also ready-to-use physical remedies, the Bickiepegs teething biscuits, which you can get from Boots, Superdrug, Asda and pharmacies nearby.

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References

[1] Markman, L. (2009). Teething: facts and fiction. Pediatrics in Review. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.30-8-e59

[2] Wuni, A., Iddrisu, M., Angliengmene, A. A., Salia, S. M., Chanayireh, L., Mohammed, I. S., Musah, A., Ibrahim, M. M., Kpentey, A. A., Kwarteng, C., Nyarko, B. A., & Doat, A. R. (2024). Knowledge and management practices of infant teething symptoms among mothers in a tertiary facility in Ghana. The Pan African medical journal, 47, 65. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2024.47.65.40792

[3] Tournier, C., & Forde, C. G. (2024). Food oral processing and eating behavior from infancy to childhood: evidence on the role of food texture in the development of healthy eating behavior. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 64(26), 9554–9567. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2023.2214227

[4] NHS (2024). Tips for helping your teething baby. Link: Tips for helping your teething baby - NHS

[5] NHS 111 Wales (2024). Pregnancy Guide. Link: NHS 111 Wales - Pregnancy Guide