A Pediatric Dentist Shares an FDA Warning Regarding Teething Solutions

We take our role as a pediatric dentist seriously and that means helping young patients to remain in good health. While this mostly centers around the work we do in our clinic, we also seek to educate parents about health risks. In this case, we want to discuss a health warning issued by the FDA.

Warning: Do not use homeopathic teething solutions

The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, reviews products to ensure that they are safe for human consumption. These products include food products and medications. While the FDA does not typically review homeopathic products, they will if there is a known health concern. This is what happened in the case of homeopathic teething gels. The FDA began growing concerned around 2010 and has been carefully studying the effects of them.

The agency issued a formal health warning after receiving multiple complaints from parents and medical providers that the teething gels and tablets were causing severe side effects, including seizures, in children. While research is still ongoing, these reports are alarming and serious enough to cause concern.

Watch for these symptoms

As a pediatric dentist, we have particular concerns about the symptoms that the FDA's warning brings up. Things like seizures, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness are serious concerns, some of which can lead to death. Other symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Constipation
• Skin flushing
• Agitation
• Being very sleepy
• Difficulty urinating
• Report symptoms

These symptoms would be difficult for someone of any age but particularly so in an infant or toddler who is teething. The teething process is difficult without other symptoms and will only increase in difficulty with these homeopathic solutions.

The FDA suggests reporting any instances of problems, by using the link below:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Alternatives

We understand that teething can be painful and uncomfortable for children. Parents want to find a way to help their children be more comfortable, which is perfectly natural. Unfortunately, these homeopathic solutions have too many health risks to make the solution worthwhile. Instead, we recommend taking more simplistic measures. For example, one can wet a clean cloth with cold water and have the child suck on it. This often provides relief and it is easy for them to hold.

A plastic teething ring that can be placed in the freezer will also provide relief once frozen. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes that make it easy for a young child to hold and bite down on. Remember that the cold serves to numb the gums which is why it is so effective. Pain relievers may also be used sparingly after asking a medical professional.

Schedule an appointment

If you are concerned about your child or want to bring them in for a checkup, call and schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist office.