FDA Warns Against Using Benzocaine Products on Children Under Two
The Food and Drug Administration recently released a warning against using oral products that contain benzocaine on children under the age of two. Most parents attempt to make teething easier on their toddlers by using gels or sprays that contain an anesthetic but using the wrong products could have serious side effects. The FDA found that benzocaine, the anesthetic commonly found in most oral gels, is associated with a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. To simplify, methemoglobinemia is a disorder where the blood cannot carry as much oxygen and can be serious and sometimes fatal. The disorder can occur in adults and children over two but is extremely rare. It is much more common in children under the age of two.
Many of the over-the-counter gels specifically state that they are not to be used in children under two. The American Dental Association approves of two oral gels but both are not to be used in children under two as well. Only products specifically aimed at reducing teething pain should be used on toddlers. I also recommend the teething toys (especially the ones that can be frozen as they offer the most relief) and children's Tylenol (follow the label for dosing instructions) to help soothe the pains associated with teething.
Source: Dental News - Dental Care Concerns - MouthHealthy
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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