July 2014—

The FDA has issued a warning against using the gel-like prescription lidocaine 2% solution to treat infants and children while they're teething. Viscous lidocaine is not approved by the FDA to treat teething in infants and young children ages 6 months to 3 years, and accidental ingestion of the drug has been shown to result in seizures, severe brain injury and heart problems in children. Lidocaine can be found in products such as Jogel, Dento-Gel, Medijel, Dentinox and Oracure.

Two years ago, the FDA also recommended that parents not use benzocaine products to treat teething children without the supervision of a health care professional. Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that can be found in products such as Dentocaine and Dentocalm. Benzocaine is potentially fatal to children and can lead to a reduction in oxygen in the bloodstream, according to the FDA's consumer report.

Teething is a normal phenomenon and all babies teethe. To ease the soreness, gently rub or massage the child's gum with your finger. You may also chill a teething ring or wet washcloth in the refrigerator for a short time. The coolness soothes the gums by dulling the nerves.

Remember to contact your child’s pediatrician to discuss other safer topical alternatives that do not contain Lidocaine or Benzocaine.