Introduction

For generations, parents have turned to cultural practices, traditional remedies and age-old beliefs to soothe their teething babies. From whispered superstitions to amber necklaces and aromatherapy, every culture has its own approach to easing the discomfort of erupting teeth. But do these time-honoured practices actually work, or are they just myths passed down through the ages? This article delves into intriguing superstitions, gruesome procedures and traditional remedies associated with teething. We investigate the risks behind certain remedies and explore how traditional medicine can be integrated with conventional medicine.  

What is the teething process?

Teething is a normal developmental process during which a baby’s first teeth (often called milk teeth) emerge through the gum line. The process of teething is often referred to as ‘cutting teeth’. However, despite the name, the teeth do not actually cut through the gums. The actual mechanism is poorly understood, but it is thought that local hormones in the gum above the erupting tooth cause the cells to die and separate naturally, thereby allowing the growing tooth to come through.¹ The lower pair of middle incisors is usually the first to appear around 6 months of age. These are typically followed by the upper pair of middle incisors around 8 months. A rough rule of thumb to determine the number of teeth is the baby’s age in months minus six.² The full set of 20 baby teeth is usually present by 36 months. There is, however, a lot of variability, as some babies are born with teeth present (known as natal teeth), while others only start teething after their first birthday.

What are traditional remedies?

Traditional medicine encompasses the knowledge, practices and skills developed by various cultures, shaped by their unique beliefs and lived experiences.³ Traditional medicine is widely popular even in developed countries, with nearly half the population in industrialised countries regularly using some form of traditional or complementary medicine.³

Religious or spiritual superstitions

There are many superstitions surrounding the timing or order of tooth eruption. For instance, in some Indian communities, it is considered a bad omen if the upper teeth emerge before the lower ones.^4,5 In certain Chinese traditions, a baby born with teeth is thought to bring great misfortune to the family, and such children may even be regarded as monsters.⁴ By contrast, some Malaysian communities view the same occurrence, a baby born with teeth, as a sign of good luck.⁴ In European folklore, early tooth eruption has been linked to superior intelligence.³ Some African-American parents hold the belief that placing a raw egg inside a sock can draw out impurities that might otherwise lead to teething pain.⁶

Barbaric teething practices

Many teething practices in the 18th and 19th centuries were harsh and often brutal, involving painful procedures such as tooth extraction, applying leeches, lancing and pressing hot nails into the gums.⁴ These interventions were carried out without anaesthesia and were believed to cure symptoms mistakenly attributed to teething, such as diarrhoea. Even today, a range of childhood symptoms, including high fever, systemic illness, runny nose, skin rashes, sleep disturbances, and persistent fussiness, are still wrongly blamed on teething. Most experts now agree that there is no direct causal link between teething and these symptoms.^7-9 Instead, such signs are more likely due to significant immune and developmental changes that naturally take place during this stage of infancy.⁴

Alarmingly, some harmful practices still continue. In parts of East and Central Africa, traditional rituals such as cutting the gums are still widely performed.¹⁰ In these cases, traditional healers may remove the developing canine tooth buds using knives, razor blades, or even sharpened bicycle spokes, followed by burning the area with a heated object. This practice is based on the belief that the swelling over erupting canines is caused by "worms" that must be extracted.¹¹ The procedure is extremely painful, medically unsound, and can lead to serious complications, including death.

Remedies applied to the gums

Bizarre historic treatments

Throughout history, rubbing various substances on the baby’s gums has been popular. Records dating back nearly 2000 years ago showed physicians recommending hare’s brain to ease teething pain.² This remedy remained popular until the 17^th century. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, rubbing substances such as mercury salts and opiates onto inflamed gums gained popularity.² Ironically, many of these treatments were toxic and directly contributed to the high death rates among babies.

Aromatherapy and herbal remedies

Aromatherapy is still widely used in many parts of the world. It is often combined with gum massage and believed to counteract inflammatory substances released during teething.¹² Chamomile oil, used in a diffuser, is another remedy often recommended.¹²

Alcohol

Applying rubbing alcohol onto a teething infant's gums is a dangerous practice that continues in some cultures. While some parents believe it helps by numbing the gums or making the child sleepy, this approach poses serious risks.⁶ The gums are highly absorbent tissues, which means they can quickly absorb harmful substances. Applying alcohol to the gums can lead to ethanol poisoning and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar),⁴ both of which are potentially life-threatening. Moderate alcohol exposure in babies can also affect their motor and brain development.¹³ For this reason, extreme caution should be taken when applying anything to a baby's gums, and alcohol should never be used.

Honey

Honey is a product which has historically and is still used for teething.  However, research shows that honey should never be given to infants under one year of age, as it could cause infant botulism.¹³

Teething objects tied around the neck

In many cultures, tying a meaningful item around a baby's neck is believed to protect or heal the teething child. For example, in some African American communities, it is thought that teething results from impurities in the body. A penny is sometimes tied around the infant’s neck, with the belief that the copper draws out these "poisons," turning the coin black in the process.⁶ In India, Tlismi necklaces are traditionally used for similar purposes.⁵ More recently, amber teething necklaces have gained popularity in various parts of the world. Supporters claim that the amber releases succinic acid, which is thought to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.¹⁴

However, no studies have found amber or Tlismi necklaces effective in relieving teething pain. Moreover, the risks associated with these items far outweigh any unproven benefits. Potential dangers include choking, strangulation, gum injuries, and the transmission of harmful bacteria.^14,15 Given the associated safety hazard, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised against the use of all teething necklaces and bracelets.¹⁶

Cooling and massage techniques

Acupressure is a common traditional method believed to relieve teething discomfort.¹² It involves gently applying pressure, usually with a fingertip, directly to the gum over the erupting tooth. In many cultures, the use of cold objects is also recommended, as cold can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. For example, chilled metal spoons have long been used for this purpose, which is thought to be the origin of the saying “born with a silver spoon”.

Today, a wide range of teething rings is commercially available that offer similar benefits. By biting on teething rings, babies can relieve gum pressure. Many varieties are liquid-filled and suitable for refrigeration to enhance their soothing properties. However, parents should take care when choosing these products. Some may contain harmful substances that can cause irritation or toxicity if they leak.¹² It is also important not to freeze teething rings solid, as this makes them too hard and can damage a baby’s sensitive gums.

Modern perspectives on traditional remedies

A common question today is whether traditional medicine still has a place in modern healthcare. For millions of people living in poor or remote areas, traditional remedies are often the only available option due to poverty, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to modern medicine.⁶ At the same time, interest in traditional and alternative medicine is rising in many Western countries, as people seek greater control over their health and prefer a gentler, more personalised approach.¹⁶ The World Health Organisation supports using traditional medicine in modern healthcare systems, as long as it is backed by solid scientific evidence to prove it is safe and effective. In fact, about 40% of today’s medicines originate from natural sources and traditional knowledge.¹⁶ Traditional medicine already plays an important role in modern healthcare and continues to influence new medical discoveries.

Conclusion

Teething traditions and beliefs reflect a rich cultural heritage. While many superstitions are harmless or even endearing, others can be dangerous, sometimes involving painful or invasive practices that may result in infection, injury, or even death. It is important to respect cultural practices while also carefully balancing them with modern medical knowledge. Above all, the safety and well-being of the child must come first, and any remedy should be guided by evidence of its effectiveness and safety.