FDA Warning for parents!

Every parent knows the sound. Every parents feels the pain. The moment your baby starts teething you are thrown into a tizzy, searching for anything you can to relieve his cries. In the dark of the night, you reach for little bottle promising to help soothe the pain, fumble for a cotton swab and dab it on. But wait, new information tells us this solution has a serious flaw.

Last year, the  Food and Drug Administration released a warning and complete press release about the use of benzocaine, the main ingredient in over the counter gel and liquid pain relievers for gum and mouth pain. You can find benzocaine sold under the names Anbesol, Hurricane, Orajel, Baby Orajel, and more store brands. To summarize the FDA's findings, the benzocaine can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia that lessens the amount of oxygen in the blood and has in some cases, resulted in death. People who develop methemoglobinemia can have the following symptoms:

1. Pale, blue or grey colored skin, lips or nail beds
2. Shortness of breath
3. Fatigue
4. Confusion
5. Headache
6. Lightheadedness
7. Rapid heart rate

If you or your child has these symptoms, get medical help immediately.

So what's a parent to do when baby's first tooth makes a painful entrance? Think back and remember a few more traditional or "old fashioned" methods of pain relief. A teething ring kept ready in the refrigerator can do wonders (never freeze the teether as it need to remain pliable), as will your own finger rubbing gently on her gums.

Of course small children are not the only users of benzocaine. Adults who use the gel or liquids should always remember to follow the directions on the packaging. Dental pain can be dulled by the use of these over the counter medications, but treatment is most likely necessary. Call us, or drop in if you're experiencing dental pain severe enough you believe a topical pain killer is needed!