On May 23, 2018 the FDA officials warned parents about the dangers of teething remedies. The concern was benzocaine as an ingredient in many over the counter gels and creams for teething. For children age 2 and under there can be rare but deadly side effects. Over the last decade the FDA has been warning about these products. Now it is getting serious and wants these products off the market. In truth, there is little to no evidence that they actually work.

“We urge parents, caregivers, and retailers who sell them to heed our warnings and not use over-the-counter products containing benzocaine for teething pain,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, in a statement.

The FDA has now said it will take legal action against companies that don’t voluntarily remove their products for young children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has been telling parents and caregivers for years that these teething gels are not recommended. Not only did they note they are potentially harmful they are not effective. These products usually wash out of the baby’s mouth in minutes, but that doesn’t prevent them from being potentially harmful.

Instead it is recommended that babies and toddlers be given teething rings that have been chilled in the refrigerator, which will dull the pain. Frozen teething rings are not recommended because they are too hard on the gums. Caregivers can also gently rub or massage the child’s gums.

 

Sources – FDA and AAP websites