Dr. Matt and our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids would like all our parents to know that recently, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, issued a warning about over-the-counter teething pain medicines that contain benzocaine, a local anesthetic and the active ingredient.
The FDA has received reports of methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious blood disorder that is associated with pain relievers, including teething gels, that contain benzocaine sold under the brand names Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, Orabase and generic brands.
Methemoglobinemia reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood stream and, in severe cases, can lead to death. Symptoms include pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds; shortness of breath; fatigue; confusion; headache; lightheadedness; and rapid heart rate. Symptoms could possibly follow a single application of benzocaine with concentrations as low as 7.5 percent.
Read more by checking out this very important announcement. For more information, visit the FDA website or the ADA website.
As always please feel free to give us a call or submit questions via our Facebook page! :)
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