Are teething products really safe for children?

What is Teething?

Teething usually starts by the time your baby turns six months old. But each baby is different and experts say it is normal for teething to start at any time between four months and 12 months of age. Teething is when your baby's first set of teeth emerge through the gums.

Recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned parents about the dangers of using teething products that contain the popular numbing agent benzocaine. We want to keep you aware and hence sharing the news here, as it is important for parents and family of teething children to know these facts….!!!

The FDA informs that benzocaine can have a rare, but serious side effect on children, and especially on those under 2 years old. The local anesthetic can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and can be life-threatening.

So as a Parent, What Should You Do?

First, check your teething relief product labels to see if benzocaine is an active ingredient. If you find any, please throw them away.

If you use a teething remedy and your child becomes pale, or looks gray or blue in their lips and nail beds, has shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, and rapid heart rate, they need immediate medical attention.

As per the recommendation, to soothe your baby’s gums, parents can gently rub a child’s gums with a finger or let the child chew on a firm rubber teething ring.

We will continue to share important health topics for your children, especially in the areas of dentistry and oral health. Please share this information with your friends and family. Reach out to us @9791035666 / have an appointment booked if you face any teething problem.