Approximately from the sixth month of life the first teeth of the baby begin to emerge. The gums are inflamed, reddened and usually cause some pain and discomfort in the baby.
There are pain relievers or gel-shaped medications that rub on the gums with your finger in order to relieve pain, but Are gels recommended to calm teething problems in babies, yes or no?
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just warned about the risk of use of oral viscous lidocaine 2% for the treatment of teething pain, as it can cause serious consequences, including death.
They also add that they are not even beneficial, nor do they spray them, since they remain in the mouths of babies just a few minutes and then ingest it. If they are given in excess, an overdose could cause seizures, severe brain injury and heart problems.
In 2014, the FDA reported 22 cases of serious adverse reactions, including death, in infants and young children 5 months to 3.5 years of age, who had been given a 2 percent oral viscous lidocaine solution for the treatment of pain in the mouth, including dentition and stomatitis, or who had accidental ingestion.
Previously, in the year 2011 also warned about the use of over-the-counter benzocaine gels For teething or mouth pain it can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, caused by a large decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood.
The consequences are related to an excessive use of these gel painkillers. In Spain some brands are marketed, so if you use them you must read the recommendations before (some are not recommended in children under 2 years) and apply small quantities, although nor is it assured that it is an effective method to calm the pain.
To soothe the pain of teething: cold teethers and massages
The most advisable to calm the pain of teething are the teether toys, preferably precooled in the refrigerator, and gentle gum massages.
It can also be offered a piece of fruit, for example an apple, for the baby to bite, or a carrot. If they are fresh better.
If you are not used to it, you can use feeding nets, although I recommend the opportunity to introduce the baby to the Baby Led Weaning.
