Safety of Teething Gels for Your Baby

Teething isn’t fun for parents or babies. As soon as your child starts showing signs of a new tooth coming through, you may reach for the pain-relieving oral gels that have been recommended by other parents, but you may want to rethink this choice.

Are Teething Gels Safe?

According to the FDA, these numbing products could actually be harming your baby. Below is a list of concerns regarding teething gels:

• An accidental overdose is a primary concern. Babies will swallow the gel if there’s too much in their mouths. Parents who believe the gels are safe are applying too much, too often and have even soaked their child’s pacifier in the gel. These are very dangerous habits that have already harmed many children.
• Children who suffer from an overdose of the lidocaine contained in teething gels have suffered heart problems, brain injuries, vision problems, seizures and death. These are terrifying consequences, all of which can be avoided.
• Baby Orajel and Anbesol, which contain benzocaine, can lead to methemoglobinemia, a disorder that reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the bloodstream.

Safely Relieving Teething Pain

Instead of using teething gels, Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry has put together a list of safe ways to help ease your child’s teething discomfort:

• Offer your child a clean washcloth cooled with running water to teeth on. The cold will ease swelling and chewing on the textured cloth will ease the pain of the erupting tooth.
• Pop baby’s pacifier or teething ring in the freezer for a few minutes.
• Gently rub your baby’s gums with your finger. This can provide counter-pressure to the tooth that’s erupting, easing the pain.

For more teething tips or to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, please contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry, our Greensboro, North Carolina child’s dental office.