FDA says Using These OTC Teething Gels Can End in Death - What to Use Instead

The FDA has been receiving reports of deaths and near-deaths from use of products containing benzocaine.

Mercola.com reports:

"Methemoglobinemia has been reported with all strengths of benzocaine gels and liquids, and cases occurred mainly in children aged two years or younger who were treated with benzocaine gel for teething."

 Methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced, will at the very least kill brain cells and in severe cases, methemoglobinemia can result in death.

What teething gels are guilty?

• Baby Anbesol
• Orajel
• Orabase
• Num-zit

Other products containing benzocaine are listed here .  What is on that list may surprise you.

So what is a hurting baby and desperate parents to do instead?

Few parents realize that there are many natural treatments that are very effective and have no side effects.  They include:

• Homeopathic teething gels and tablets
• Clove essential oil, diluted slightly in a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil (rubbed on the gums)
• Increasing calcium (either in the breastfeeding mom's diet or a liquid trace mineral supplement for baby)
• Sucking on a frozen washcloth

To learn more about infant health, please visit Birthologie.com