Teething Tablets Safe?

Updated on April 08, 2009
R.M. asks from Evanston, IL
45 answers

My 7 month old is finally getting ready to get her first teeth. It is causing her to have a really hard time falling asleep - its like she wants to suck on her pacifier but it hurts her so she takes it out, then cries, puts it back in, then out etc etc. This is happening every single time she goes to sleep. I am not big on giving Tylenol or Motrin unless I really really have to so a friend recommended Hylands teething tablets. I googled them to see where I could buy them and found that some people say that they are not safe. I really don't care that they are not "FDA" approved b/c I think the FDA doesn't do its job anyway but that is another subject... So does anyone have experience with the tablets or heard of any ill effects from them? Thanks!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.W.

answers from Honolulu on

I don't know how safe the tablets are or not... For my son I used a couple drops of clove oil in some olive oil and it works to numb just like the baby oragel... frozen washcloth is also great... poor babies... :( If you are going for homeopathics there is also a company called NOVA that has great teething drops that supposedly work very well.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.V.

answers from Las Vegas on

Many doctors say that the dose of medicine is so tiny that it is undetectable. Homeopathic medicine works because it helps your body to respond and heal it self (basically.) So, I would say (using homeopathic medicine since I was a child) that it is an awesome alternative to tylenol etc. which for example is proven to be toxic to your liver. Obviously, we have to use it sometimes, but in my opinion homeopathic medicine is perfectly safe when used as directed. I mean what other medicine can you take when you are pregnant, nursing, and your baby can take too? Good luck, hope your little one gets some relief soon! P.S. Vitacost.com has awesome prices and a good shipping deal. :)

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Robyn'

I used teething tablets with both my kids (now 10 and 6). They were a relief to all of us. My doctor gave the okay. And, more important, my sister-in-law also recommended them. She had a special needs child and if anyone needed to know the safety of a product we asked her because she solidly researched everything.

Good luck.

C.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used them with my son for mild teething issues, but found that he needed something more when he starting get his molars and other teeth. I too got super tired of always giving him Motrin, so I started using Clove Oil on my son's gums and it worked great. It's all natural and can be used for other stuff...if you have a Whole Foods or that type of store they can show you some cool tricks to easing pain due to teething using Holistic remedies.

2 moms found this helpful

A.J.

answers from Las Vegas on

Robyn, I've been using them for two months now for my daughter and they work great. I had alot of girl friends swear by them and I'm totally a skeptic when it comes to giving her anything. However my midwife who I've turned to more than my daughters pediatrician says that they are perfectly safe.

A.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi Robyn,
As a medical specialist, I strongly advise that you consult with your physician or Pediatrician regarding the Hylands teething tablets. Every child is different. What may work on some does NOT mean will work on your child. Don't think less of "I really don't care that they are not "FDA approved b/c I think the FDA doesn't do its job anyway." A mother I know thought the same exact thing as you regarding her child going through the teething process. After advising her of the safety of her child, she did just the opposite. The child stopped breathing, and was in the intensive care. Because her child reacted to the tablets...not to say that it might happen to your child. But think very hard of what you just stated and the safety of your child. Always consult the Physician for advise before you consider going through with it and end up worrying yourself later...teething is a common process for every child to go through. There are chewing gum items that you can put them in the freezer and then have the child chew on it where it will ease the discomfort on the child. There are safe devices out there but your number one step is "CONSULT THE PHYSICIAN BEFORE YOU TAKE THAT STEP." Every one will give you all types of advises but remember one thing, "WHAT WORKS ON SOMEONE ELSE'S CHILD MAY NOT WORK ON YOURS. EVERY CHILD'S BODY SYSTEM IS DIFFERENT...."

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used them with my daughter and had no problems or adverse reactions. As a matter of fact, she loves them! When I think she's teething, I get them out and ask her if she wants one and shake the bottle. She comes right over and will take as many as I'll let her have (I limit it to three at a time). I took one just to see what they're like; they dissolve almost immediately in your mouth and have almost no flavor.

I found them in the baby aisle at Albertsons. Target also carries them, but they are behind the counter in the pharmacy, not out on the shelves (at least they are behind the counter at my Target).

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.P.

answers from Phoenix on

My Dr. suggested them as a healthy alternative. She said they are herbal and perfectly safe. But, they didn't really work for my little peanut. They aren't supposed to make the pain go away (like the numbing gel) but they are supposed to soothe the child. My daughter is also teething...not fun! Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

We've used them on all three of our kids. No adverse effects. We've also used Hyland's vitamin C and their cough syrup.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Robyn,
Good for you for having an open mind.If the FDA had it's way,ANYTHING alternative would be considered risky...
O K...stepping down from my soapbox! ; )
When my 8 1/2 year old was a baby,we gave her the Hylands for teething/gas/colds....We still give her homeopathics.All I can say is for us it has worked great.There are times when the big guns need to be called in,but I can tell you our pediatrician has always commented how small her file is,and congradulates her on her excellent health!
This is in MY humble opinion! Trust your gut!

: )

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.R.

answers from San Diego on

I didn't read the other responses, so maybe someone already suggested this - but Baby Orajel is awesome. This is a topical treatment and it's instant. Try it, it really worked for my son.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from San Diego on

YES!!! Loved them. Never needed anything else and never had any problems with them or with teething. If she just got a slight bit fussy we would give them to her and it was all good! Everyone I know recommended them highly to me as well. We always bought the Hylands brand but I am sure the other is fine too.

Oh my I just came back because I read your other responses and the beef jerkey one is a bit crazy. Too much sodium and this is the age when you are supposed to throw away anything their saliva has been on because of the bacteria growth, this is why we aren't allowed to save baby food jars that have been eaten out of. Kinda feel sorry for anyone who follows that one!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

they are sage. homeopathy being a scapegoat in the medical field gets a lot of bad rep. weed through that. i had a chance to tour their manufacturing as part of GMP/GLP regulation for QC personnel - the hard time FDA gives them is the same as any other medical manufacturer. and since they don't have big pharma $ behind them they need to make sure themselves that the product is above and beyond expected industry standard. that being said - homeopathic products ideally should be selected individually. what they do is a quick-fix solution 80/20 rule - it'll help most, but no ALL. if it does not work for your daughter - great, if not - means she needs different homeopathic remedy not included in the "mix". Remember to stop giving it to her as soon as you see even some improvement – with homeopathy – less is more.
Good Luck
V.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

The tablets may be ok! but try rubbing her gums with your finger if she will let you. Get her some of the teething toys that you freeze. Also buy some beef jerky. let her naw on it until it gets soggy then lay it some where to dry out.
& give it to her to naw on again. Just watch her so she doesn't get any of the tiny pieces.I have 2-daughter & 4-grand kids besides some friend. Who used the jerky. The numbing gels for teething might also help. Even a chicken leg bone. It will help the teeth come threw quicker. The tyneol or Mortin will not hurt her in moderation.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Reno on

Hi Robyn,
Both of my daughters used teething tablets for all five of their children with no side effects. Another thing they did was freeze pacifiers for nap time & damp washcloths for when they first woke up & were hot & sweaty & crabby. The babies chewed on the washcloths & rubbed them on their gums. Good luck!
R. S.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm also big on not giving medicines unless I absolutely have to. I got recommended the teething tablets from a friend of mine who is totally organic and homeopathic. I gave them to my daughter when she started teething as it was horrible for her, and let me tell you- those tablets work!! She never had any kind of ill effects, and she was able to sleep, and not be in pain. I have recommended them to everyone.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Honolulu on

My daughter LOVED those things! We totally used them without incident.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

who says they are not safe? homeopathic remedies are all safe even for pregnant women! i used teething tablets on both of my kids with great results.
M..

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Robyn,

I have 2 girls, one will be 1 next Friday and the other will be 2 next month. I have used the Hyland's teething tablets with both of them and have not had any problems. Many of my friends also use them without any problems. In fact, we all keep them in our diaper bags and if one of us runs out and needs more, we just ask one of the other moms. We have all rescued each other at one time or another. Best of Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.Z.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hyland's teething gel works better. Also chamomilla homeopathic medicine works like a dream with absolutely no side effects. I like Boiron's homeopathics best. No food or drink 15 minutes before and after administering. Don't touch them with your fingers otherwise they won't work.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.D.

answers from San Diego on

Hyland's teething tablets work great for my daughter, I highly recommend them. FDA does not test homeopathic products, therefore they cannot be "approved" by them.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.S.

answers from Honolulu on

Hyland's Teething Tablets are fantastic! I don't know of any side affects. Just read the directions and don't overdose. They helped my daughter immensely when she was teething. We also used a rubber baby toothbrush to gently scratch her gums to help her out. I hope that helps you.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

Totally safe! Used them with both my children, infact, now that my daughter, who is 8 is cutting teeth again..lol..she asks for them all the time.
HIGHLY recommended!!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.J.

answers from Seattle on

Of course they work....there's TONS of drugs in them.

It varies by brand but most of them have opiates in them. There are also hallucinogens, sleeping aids, and euphorics mixed in.

You know...I know people love "natural" things (& I'm a Whole Foods addict, with chickens, & I trade eggs for my neighbors honey, etc. so I'm right there), BUT I wish people would understand that most of the Rx only drugs COME FROM PLANTS. Some are synthetics, but I could whip up a batch of heroine or morphine (just tick the box), from the opium gathered from poppies. For some less accurate pain killing just use the sap straight, doesn't even need to be boiled.

Then there is the nerve toxin found in belladonna (deadly nightshade). It's useful as a numbing agent in very small doses (like what is found in Hylands Teething tablets), but it DOES actually have side effects. Go ahead. Figure out the doseage for YOUR weight and munch them. But make sure someone is standing by to call 911. You're going to start feeling very happy, will start to lose conscious control over parts of your body (sometimes this includes bladder control), and are going to start seeing some very strange things. In my honest opinion it's better to do whiskey & sugar on a baby's gums then use teething tablets. Of course, that would go against my own personal code, but not as much as getting them high.

::Sigh:: I'm sorry. My cousin is not only a pharmacist, but also has her naturopathic MD with a focus in herbal pharmacology (of which I've only taken classes). One of the things the profs did was to have them test out things on themselves, to help them understand just HOW POWERFUL many of these medicines are...and how different preparations change either the acting ingredient, or the strength of the medicine, etc. Amongst many many other things. So in addition to my own classes, guess who got to help my cousin in her lab work?

So I am sorry. Herbal & Natural do NOT usually mean gentle. Rattlesnake venom and death cap mushrooms are natural. Deadly nightshade and datura are herbal. The FDA has soooo many thing wrong with it, that I'm more inclined to add a swear word before their name ;), BUT the business weasles making money hand over fist by selling all of these soooooo non regulated medicines ... I trust far far far less.

Teething tablets DO work. But if you're seriously trying to avoid drugs...stick with ibuprofen, or tylenol. Or...if you're not afraid of asprin, go for the boiled inner bark of the white willow tree to extract the acetylsalicylic acid (asprin).

Don't get me wrong...herbal pharmacology is AMAZING...and I'm a huge proponent of it. Western medicine only uses a tiny tiny fraction of what is available...and the drug companies create some major roadblocks, but it IS medicine. And, like ALL medicines, dangerous...even deadly if misused. Which is darnably easy, especially these days with bottles and bottles of the stuff concocted with little understanding and thrown up on the shelves in order to make a quick buck.

All my best,
R

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Reno on

Hi Robyn,
Both my homeopathic doctor and my regular MD recommended Hylands to me and they help. Sometimes the pain for them is so great that I think giving them Tylenol in the morning and Motrin at night is really a saving grace for them. Tylenol and Motrin are expelled from the body differently one by the kidneys and one by the liver so it's not h*** o* them, as long as you're not giving them too much.
Best,
S.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Robyn,
You have had alot of responses, so mine might be redundant. I have 3 girls, 3 years, 22 months and 7 months. My first 2 took a pacifier, which greatly soothed them during teething. My baby won't take a pacifier, so I cut a thermal blanket in to 4 small blankets and she LOVES them! She sucks on them to soothe herself and find comfort. In addition, we use Tylenol, Orajel Teething Swabs, and Hyland Teething Tabs...ALL GREAT! I don't think the FDA tests homeopathic drugs? I say to try any/all of these to soothe her...teething is so painful for them.
All the best, S.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Las Vegas on

All of Hylands medicines are great! They are not FDA approved but they do their own testing and I have never had any problems with them for me or my 3 year old or my Husband. They make products for children and adults and my son took the teething tablets and they were great! I also have Allergy relief for kids which is also wonderful!

Good luck, but I like their products much better than over the counter stuff...

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used Hylands for my son, and they worked well. I also used liquid camilla (which you can buy at Whole Foods). They are made by a company called Boiron, and I used them when the Hylands weren't working and my baby was uncomfortable.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I've been using the Hylands Teething Tablets for my daughter since she started teething and they are great!!!I got them at CVS and they help her so much. No side effects!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

the only thing tats unsafe is if you give too many because they can numb the throat and cause choking (but then again thatsa risk of any oral numbing med. the teething tablets didnt work for my daughter they were a waste (even her dr said they only last 5 mins). its ok to give yur daughter mortin (its better for pain). dont let her be in pain she doesnt understand why shes hurting. my daughter was getting tylenol and mortin every 4-6 hours when she was getting hr first 2 teeth (this was drs orders). then i disovered the gentle naturals teething drops (what a godsend for my baby) i have hardly used the tylenol or mortin since i started using the drops (and my daughter is now 2 i started using the drops at 10 months). give her something cold to chew on (frozen wash rag, chilled teething rings, etc). hope this helps good luck!

i looked up the teething tablets and found this. it may put your mind at ease about the safety. its something that you wouldnt know would affect your child until they took the tablets.

http://www.hylands.com/news/teethinginfo.php

1 mom found this helpful

K.C.

answers from Las Vegas on

Over 30 years ago, my M. used them on my sister when she was teething with great effect and no problems. Three years later she used them for me - great results, no problems. I took them when I was 18 and my wisdom teeth were coming in (the memory of the pain from that makes me sympathize with my little guy now) and again had no problems.

I have a 7 month old son now, and he's taken them for months now (he's currently working on his 5th tooth) with no issues. I don't know how we would've made it through without them.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used them religiously!! found them at Target in the pharmacy, have to ask for them. But they were also at Rite Aid. They seemed to calm my daughter and soothe the pain. Never noticed any ill-effects. My daughter got to the point where she would ask for them. I did limit how many she took a day, just to be safe. I'm not a big homeopathic M., but really liked these instead of tylenol.

1 mom found this helpful

G.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I received an email from a friend last year warning against them, regarding an isolated incident. It could have been untrue. You know how email can be when you get those "a friend of a friend had a cousin who's co-worker..."
I had used them as needed up to that point and although I did hesitate for a moment when I reached for them again after reading that email, I carried on using them with ZERO PROBLEMS EVER, with both of my boys now 2 1/2 and 1 year old.
I'd be happy to forward the scare-mail to you if you are interested in reading it although I got the same vibe from Riley J, below (Of course they work....there's TONS of drugs in them.)
I have never ever met anyone, personally, who has ANYTHING bad to say about them.
Good luck. I hate this part of being a M.. The "am I going to ruin my child for life" decisions. :)

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from San Diego on

I used teething tablets with my children, my sister did, and so have my friends all with out any problems. Plus, they worked great! Better than the baby orajel I was using.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi Robyn,
I use these for my daughter when she is getting new teeth and they seem to help her a lot. I haven't seen any reaction to them whatsoever.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Robyn! I have a degree in natural medicine which covered a lot of homeopathy, and I can tell you that the Hylands tablets are safe. I used them with my babies with excellent results and absolutely no side effects other than a good nights sleep. You are wise not to use the Motrin or Tylenol!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had also heard that I should be concerned because some of the ingredients were bad for their heart....so I asked my pediatrician and he said that if the ingredients were taken in Much larget doses that yes, they could cause harm. But as the teething tablets stand, he said that he saw no risk. He advised that I continue useing them if they helped....
Good luck!
C. H
PS. I also use tylenol, ibeprophen, frozen fruit in a mesh bag, I have heard of toasted begal pieces, chamomile tea frozen into ice cubes and put into the mesh bag..frozen washclothes..and when truely desperate just a touch of whiskey rubbed on his gums...what some of our grandmas used!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used them all the time for my son when he was teething. He was a horrible teether and the tablets, plus the all natural drops (the ones with tigger and pooh on the bottle) were the only things that helped him. It would calm him down within a few minutes. I only gave him tylenol when he had a fever. I never had any reaon to believe that they were unsafe or not good for him. I have many friends who have used them also and they felt like they were teething lifesavers too!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

I just want to add my teething "helper"... Frozen celery sticks. Sounds weird, but the baby can hold it (if yours can; or you can hold it), chew on it, and the strings remain. Only small pieces of celery 'flesh' are swallowed. Your baby may be too small, but since I learned this hint from a dear friend I've used it many times. All children continue to 'teethe' until all adult teeth are in they still use frozen celery... now mine just freeze it themselves!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Las Vegas on

Teething tablets are the best. There is always going to be someone out there telling you that everything is bad for you!! The teething tablets were my saving grace when my son was teething. Just go to walmart and get the cheap brand. They work great!!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Robyn,
I used the Hylands teething tabs for both of my children, and they seemed to really help. I will use them again with next child too.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.

answers from Las Vegas on

Robyn,

While I don't think anything is 100% safe for everyone, I think the Hyland's teething tablets are a good thing if they work for your baby. I found the Hyland's teething gel to work better (it is harder to find but I got it at Walgreens). I will warn you that my second child is allergic to dairy and soy proteins. Hyland's has a "milk sugar base" and he reacted very badly to them. My older child had no problem with them. Generally, I used the teething tablets and that type of stuff during the day and saved Motrin for those really bad nights.

:-)T.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from Las Vegas on

I gave teething tablets and baby orajel to both my children and it worked wonders and they never had any side effects. I also gave them a frozen washcloth to suck on, that seemed to help. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

Gentle naturals teething drops are great! Get them at Target or Walmart as they are less expensive there. I have been giving them to my son for the last 12 months (he is 19 months old) and they have really helped us thru some tough tetthing times. Hope your lil mama feels better soon!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

We used Hylands and they were fine, as well as the "little people" brand teething tablets. You can also put them in your baby's bottle if she rejects them, but they dissolve quickly, so it really shouldn't be a problem. I haven't heard of any ill side effects and everyone I know used these tablets.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches