Teething Gels & Your Baby’s Gums

Teething is rough for everyone; parents and babies! As soon as your child starts to exhibit signs of a new tooth coming through, you might be tempted to reach for the pain-relieving oral gels that have been recommended by other parents, but you may want to rethink this choice. 

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

Instead of using teething gels, Little Smiles of Delaware has put together a list of safe ways to help ease your child’s teething discomfort:

• Offer your baby a clean washcloth cooled with running water to teeth on. The cold will bring down any swelling, and chewing on the textured cloth will ease the pain of the erupting tooth.
• Pop your baby’s pacifier or teething ring in the freezer for a few minutes before offering it to her.
• 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 set up a virtual appointment, please contact Little Smiles of Delaware located here in our Delaware, Ohio child’s dental office.