The FDA has announced a rare by possible fatal association between the use of topical benzocaine and methemoglobinemia.  Methemoglobinemia is a condition that causes the body’s red blood cells to not carry oxygen as they are supposed to.  This can result in the body not having enough oxygen.  Benzocaine is found in certain teething gels that numb the mouth with teething pain.  The FDA warns not to use topical benzocaine in the mouth for children less than two years of age.  Check out the link below.


Take home message for our parents:  Don’t use teething gels with benzocaine in them for children less than two.