Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing a frustrated mother looking in the pharmacy for a way to soothe her child’s teething pain. There are several topical solutions available over-the-counter. However, the Federal Food and Drug Administration, last week, issued a warning on pain remedies containing benzocaine, which is often used to help soothe teething symptoms. The drug is a local anesthetic available in the pharmacy shelf, including Orajel and Anbesol.
The FDA said…
The use of benzocaine gels and liquids for mouth and gum pain can lead to a rare but serious—and sometimes fatal—condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced. In the most severe cases, says FDA pharmacist Mary Ghods, R.Ph., methemoglobinemia can result in death.
And children under 2 years old appear to be at particular risk.
Methemoglobinemia is a condition that manesfests itself by the presence of above-normal level of metHb (Methemoglobin)
Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin — a form of hemoglobin — is produced. Hemoglobin is the molecule in red blood cells that distributes oxygen to the body. Methemoglobin cannot release oxygen.
In methemoglobinemia, the hemoglobin is unable to release oxygen effectively to body tissues.
The FDA recommends non-drug remedies, including using chilled teething rings or applying pressure to the child’s gums. BabyCenter.com also suggests using pressure and offers interesting advice on how to also entertain the baby.
Teething babies crave pressure on their gums since it helps distract their brain from the sensation of teething pain.
If your baby rejects cold items, chewing on a room-temperature teether may do the trick. Some teethers even vibrate. If one type doesn’t work for your child, consider trying another.
Or give this strategy a go: Rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger until the friction makes a squeaky sound. Not only will the pressure feel good, your baby will probably love the sound your finger makes. Read the article…
Alternatively, you can do what this little dude is doing…..
