Teething is a difficult and often painful time for most babies. There are many things parents can do to help. Some parents consider essential oils, but are they safe?

Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months of age and have a complete set of 20 “baby” (deciduous) teeth by age 2.5 years. During this time, gum swelling may occur, and teeth are breaking through the skin, which can be painful and make life difficult for babies and the adults who care for them.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), massage is a safe and effective treatment for mild teething discomfort. Some parents and caregivers consider adding diluted essential oils to gum massage, hoping to ease the pain and distress that comes from teething. Many healthcare professionals caution against using essential oils inside a baby’s mouth or on their face.

Read on for a review of essential oils for teething, including whether they are safe and which ones may help.

While there is not enough research to prove that essential oils are effective at reducing the discomfort of teething, some parents and caregivers report that essential oils have helped relieve teething pain in their children.

Some research suggests that using essential oils on or near babies and young children carries certain risks. One study found that essential oils used on the skin increased the risk of allergic contact dermatitis. Another study of over 500 children found that children exposed to some essential oils in aromatherapy had an increased risk of developing endocrine disorders.

More research is needed to determine whether essential oils are safe and effective for relieving teething pain in babies and young children.

It’s not safe for babies to ingest or swallow essential oils. Some people suggest rubbing diluted essential oils blended with carrier oil on a baby’s jaw to help relieve teething pain.

Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to a baby’s skin. If you are going to apply an essential oil to the skin of a baby or adult, always dilute the essential oil in a base oil. Mix the essential oil — no more than a few drops — with a base carrier oil, like jojoba oil, almond oil, or sunflower oil.

According to the FDA, essential oils are not regulated, but the claims they make may be. If it can be considered a drug, an essential oil may be reviewed. However, most essential oils do not make specific health claims, and therefore, they are not regulated. You have no way of knowing what exactly is in the essential oil you choose.

Individuals who use essential oils suggest using the following oils, though there is no research to support their use in children. Most doctors recommend that you never put essential oils — even diluted ones — inside a baby’s mouth or on their skin.

Essential oils may be safer when used as aromatherapy in a diffuser. Never leave a child alone with essential oils. They may have a reaction to the oil, and children who can walk can access the oil, which is dangerous if swallowed.

Teething can start as early as 4 to 7 months. Because young babies are especially sensitive, only two essential oils are recommended for topical use during this early stage: chamomile and lavender.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum mobile)

According to those who use essential oils, chamomile is commonly used for teething because of its sedative effects.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

According to those who use essential oils, lavender is calming, a natural antiseptic, and has been reported to relieve muscle pain.

For parents and caregivers who use essential oils, as babies get older, there may be additional essential oils to consider, such as:

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

According to those who use essential oils, ginger oil may help relieve pain from arthritis, fatigue, and muscular aches. However, they caution that ginger can also cause irritation if not diluted properly.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

According to those who use essential oils, marjoram may help increase circulation and ease muscle and joint pain. Some adults use it to relieve pain from arthritis, muscular aches, and rheumatism.

Clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata)

According to those who use essential oils, clove bud is a powerful analgesic and antiseptic. It’s commonly used in some dental preparations for adults. Because of its potency, clove bud should not be used on babies under the age of 2 years, and it should never be ingested.

If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor before using any essential oils on yourself or your baby.

Important information about diluting essential oils

Professional organizations and individuals who work with essential oils recommend diluting essential oils if they will come into contact with skin. Individuals who use essential oils recommend the following when diluting essential oils:

Some oils are more potent than others and should be diluted at a ratio of less than 0.25% of essential oil per carrier oil. Other oils can be diluted at a ratio of 0.5% of essential oil per carrier oil. It’s important not to exceed the recommended dilution ratio because improper dilution can result in a burn.

Before application, perform a patch test by applying a small amount of diluted essential oil to a baby’s leg or arm, and wait to see if there is a reaction. If there is no reaction, it’s likely safe to apply the oil blend more generally.

Essential oils should never be swallowed.

The AAP suggests the following teething items and tips to help ease teething pain.

Offer any of these as teething toys:

  • a wet cotton washcloth chilled in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes
  • a frozen banana or berries if your baby is already eating solids
  • solid (not liquid-filled) teething rings chilled in the fridge (avoid fluid-filled teething rings and don’t freeze them too long — no very hard chew toys)
  • a frozen bagel
  • a “lovey”-type toy
  • your finger — let them gnaw on your finger or massage their gums (may be especially helpful before nursing to prevent bites)

Be sure to wash teething “toys” often and keep them clean. The AAP says it’s fine if your baby wants something to chew on for much of the day.

Avoid these home remedies for teething

Some remedies for teething have risks. The FDA cautions against using the following for teething pain in infants and young children:

  • Over-the-counter numbing gels: Tooth gels that contain benzocaine (Anbesol, Cepacol, Chloraseptic, HurriCaine, Orabase, Orajel, and Topex) may lead to a serious, and sometimes fatal, condition where red blood cells don’t carry enough oxygen for the baby (called methemoglobinemia).
  • Some prescription numbing medications: Drugs that contain lidocaine, such as topical oral viscous lidocaine solution (a prescription medication used to treat certain types of mouth pain), are also not appropriate for treating teething pain in infants and young children. It can cause severe health issues, such as heart problems, brain injury, and even death. In addition, topical oral viscous lidocaine solution can cause seizures in infants and young children when too much is applied or it is accidentally swallowed.
  • Homeopathic tablets: Sold over the counter, some homeopathic teething remedies may contain belladonna and other ingredients. The FDA has issued warnings against using these products.
  • Teething necklaces: Teething necklaces, like amber necklaces, have beads and pose a choking hazard to babies and young children.

Teething can be a difficult time for babies and parents. There are many things you can do to help soothe your baby during teething.

Some parents and caregivers choose essential oils to help. We included five essential oils some parents recommend. While some people report that essential oils help, more research is needed to show that they are safe and effective for this purpose.

There are several AAP-recommended ways to help your baby during teething that you can try at home, like offering your baby a chilled, wet cotton washcloth or frozen banana if they are eating solid foods, or even using your finger to massage their gums.