Teething Gel: Cautions and Alternatives

Many over-the-counter gels contain benzocaine. The pain reliever is commonly found in teething gels such as Anbesol, Hurricane, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase. Because there have been reports that a rare blood disorder called methemoglobinemia could develop as a side effect of the pain reliever it is advisable for parents to abstain from using benzocaine teething treatments.

Cases of methemoglobinemia were reported with both liquids and gels, even with benzocaine concentrations as low as 7.5 percent. Signs of this blood disorder include a pale, grayish coloring of the lips and skin, headaches, fatigue, confusion, lightheadness, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate. These symptoms may appear after the first benzocaine application or after several uses.

Health 24 recommends giving your child a chilled, but not frozen, teething ring to help with the discomfort and pain of teething, or using your finger to rub the gums.
If you want to give your child something extra to help with the pain and inflammation, you may be able to use child doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but check with your paediatrician first to rule out any other possible causes of discomfort.