The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a strong warning in a safety announcement against the use of gum numbing gels for infant children.
The FDA has found that the use of gum numbing gels containing ingredients such as viscous lidocaine can cause severe injuries in infants and children.
Reported side effects include:
- Seizures
- Brain injuries
- Cardiac problems
- Shaking
Parents have flocked to this prescription medication, over the counter numbing gels and their prescription variations in order to keep infants from experiencing discomfort and crying. In light of more than 22 injuries including fatalities, parents should immediately stop using such teeth numbing gels.
FDA Recommendations
The FDA has a released a teething resource for parents that provides non-toxic remedies to help teething infants.
The resource points out that teething discomfort is normal and temporary. Parents are encouraged to:
- Gently massage the gums with a finger
- Provide a cool teething ring or washcloth for chewing
By providing infants with cool and soft objects to chew on, parents can help remove much of the discomfort of teething. The cool water soothes the gums and reduces a childs discomfort.
As always parents should remain vigilant to ensure that the child does not choke on any of the teething objects provided.
Parents should avoid teething products that contain anesthetics, including viscous lidocaine or benzocaine. Both ingredients have been found to cause vision problems, shaking and seizures.
If your child has been harmed by defective medical products, contact a Knoxville personal injury attorney from our law firm today. Call (865) 247-0080.
