Benzocaine and Babies: Not a Good Mix

Curated News:

By Timberlake Dental curated from The Food and Drug Administration

“When a baby is teething, many a mom or dad reaches for a pain remedy containing
benzocaine to help soothe sore gums…”

See full article on The Food and Drug Administration

Commentary:

Teething pain is a natural part of life for babies, so parents often reach for over the counter teething pain relief medications – such as Orabase, Anbesol, Orajel, Hurricaine, and Baby Orajel.    These medications, however, contain Benzocaine, a local anesthetic, which the FDA warns may be dangerous for babies.  If you or your family members have babies of teething age, this article by the FDA is well worth your time.

The FDA is concerned about a condition called methemoglobinemia, which relates to the constriction of oxygen in the blood stream and which can be very dangerous.

Dr. Rodney D. Chowning, Dental Impants and General Dentistry, Denton, TX

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