Over-the-counter teething medications for infants like Baby Orajel, Anbesol, and Orabase have been used for many years and are still commonly used today to relieve teething pain in children. Benzocaine is the local anesthetic found in these medications which numbs the gums and eases the pain. Back in 2006, the FDA issued a warning about the use of benzocaine gels and liquids and there use for children under the age of two. It was discovered that a rare serious disease of methemoglobinemia can develop in children two and under which reduces the oxygen carried through the bloodstream from the use of benzocaine products. In very severe cases death is a result.
Methemoglobinemia is difficult for parents to recognize because the symptoms are not always obvious or attributed to the condition. Some of the signs are shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate, dizziness, pale or blue colored skin, lips, and nail beds. Instead of using benzocaine products to relive your child’s teething pain we recommend the following as a better alternative.
- Use a chilled teething ring, not frozen
- Massage or gently rub your child’s gums with your finger
- If solid foods are in your babies diet, you may offer something edible for gnawing on like a chilled cucumber or carrot, however watch for pieces that break off to prevent a choking hazard.
- Tylenol or Advil may help as well
Any questions or concerns you may have about benzocaine products or reducing teething pain in your child’s teeth, consult with your child’s pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
Post Courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.