FDA WARNS MANY TEETHING PRODUCTS ARE NOT SAFE // NATURAL TEETHING REMEDIES

The US Food and Drug Administration has warned over-the-counter teething products containing benzocaine are not safe. The FDA issued this warning to consumers and requested companies stop making children’s products that contain the ingredient.

Many parents turn to products such as Orajel to help their babies find temporary relief, but the FDA says many over-the-counter teething products pose a “serious risk.” In addition to asking companies to remove the children’s products, the FDA is asking for warning labels on adult products. The warning stems from a form of methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the oxygen level in blood dips dangerously low. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, breathing issues, sleepiness, headache, pale skin and blue or gray nails. Parents should seek medical attention immediately as this condition can be fatal. This is scary and should be taken seriously, especially since the FDA allows many ingredients to be used in the US that are banned in other countries.

Natural Teething Remedies

You may be wondering how you can help your child during the difficult time? No worries! There are plenty of natural remedies out there! Our kiddos did not use teething gel and did not suffer through or lose too much sleep.

Apply pressure

The pressure of chewing feels good! This is why your little one is chewing everything like a puppy. Be sure your hands are clean, then gently press where the tooth is trying to break through.

Since we can’t keep out hand in our baby’s mouth all day, get a good teething toy. Try a hard rubber, wooden, or stainless steel teether. Stainless is amazing because it usually feels cool. Again, this satisfies the need to chew and applies pressure to the gums.

Copaiba Essential Oil

This is my go-to. Especially when the nights get long. I can say that this has offered the best relief for 2 of my kiddos (didn’t know about it with my oldest). It’s almost instant. I use a roller bottle to apply the copaiba and carrier oil to the jawline. It is important to note that you must dilute essential oils for children. You can find dilution ratios online.

Cold

Cold provides a numbing sensation and reduces swelling. Place a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes. When it’s partially frozen, give it to your baby to chew on.

Breast milk/formula popsicles are tasty and perfect for numbing the mouth. Try adding slightly defrosted milk to a silicone feeder.

Teething Toys

Use a hard rubber, wooden, or stainless steel teether. Stainless is amazing because it usually feels cool. Again, this satisfies the need to chew and applies pressure to the gums.

Distraction

Obviously, this doesn’t work in the middle of the night, but this helps so much when my little one gets fussy during the day. I drop what I’m doing and focus my attention on my baby, especially if I know a tooth is coming through. Talk to your baby, read a story, play, or just provide sweet snuggles.

Teething can be a difficult time, but remember it doesn’t last forever. These natural teething remedies have worked well for both my babies and my friends’ babies. I’d love to hear any other natural remedies you use in the comments!