Natural and Traditional Teething Remedies Both Dangerous for Babies

Feb 02,2018

Last year, the FDA warned parents of the dangers of homeopathic teething remedies. Hyland’s then reluctantly complied with a recall recommendation, recalling all of its teething tablets and nighttime teething tablets.

The FDA found that the active ingredient in Hyland’s teething products, belladonna, was responsible for multiple deaths and injuries linked to the product. After measuring levels of belladonna in the product, the FDA found that levels of the ingredient were not distributed evenly in the product. Thus, some babies were likely getting dangerously high doses of belladonna, a toxic plant also known as “deadly nightshade.”

FDA Plans to Regulate Homeopathic Remedies

The FDA Commissioner has stated that homeopathic medicines have falsely promised to cure diseases like cancer, and many have dangerous side effects. In response to the many adverse events caused by homeopathic treatments, the FDA is now working on a plan to regulate homeopathic drugs.

Are There Safe Teething Remedies?

What options does that leave parents with teething babies? There are “traditional” teething remedies, which generally use Benzocaine as the active ingredient. One popular brand that makes these teething gels is Orajel. However, the FDA has also warned against the use of Benzocaine on children 2 years old and younger. The FDA does not recommend any drug or homeopathic therapy for teething in children. Teething is natural and is not considered a medical problem. If your child is particularly fussy and in pain from teething, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following remedies:

Gently massaging the baby’s gums with your fingers
Offering your child a firm rubber teething ring
Rub the baby’s gums with a wet washcloth

If your child continues to struggle or has a fever, consult your pediatrician for further guidance.

“When it comes to small children, parents should always exercise caution before resorting to medications that contain potentially dangerous ingredients,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a drug and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.