Relieving Teething Pain Depends Upon Age: FDA Warning

The FDA has reissued a warning about the use of benzocaine gels or liquids to relieve teething pain for children under the age of 2.  Parents should not use over the counter medications containing benzocaine for children under 2 because they are at particular risk for the rare but serious disease of methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced.  The most severe cases can result in death.  Adults with heart disease or breathing problems and smokers are also at greater risk for the disease.  Symptoms of the disorder are sometimes difficult to recognize, and include pale skin, lips and nail beds, shortness of breath and fatigue.  For treating teething pain, the FDA recommends using teething rings chilled in the refrigerator, or gently massaging the child's gums with your finger.



Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309