Topical pain relievers and medications that are rubbed on the gums are not necessary or even useful because they wash out of the baby's mouth within minutes. When too much viscous lidocaine is given to infants and young children or they accidentally swallow too much, it can result in seizures, severe brain injury, and problems with the heart. Cases of overdose due to wrong dosing or accidental ingestion have resulted in infants and children being hospitalized or dying.
The FDA also is urging parents and caregivers to not use over the counter topical medications for teething pain because some of them can be harmful.
To treat teething pain, parents and caregivers should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations:
- Use a teething ring chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen).
- Gently rub or massage the child's gums with your finger to relieve the symptoms.
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