Our Location:
Nashua Smile Makers
Nashua, NH 03060

Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- August (5)
- Talk With Your Dentist About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
- Finding the Perfect Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment for You
- Reasons You Should Consider Veneers
- Listen to Ellen DeGeneres: Don't Think You Can Get Away Without Flossing!
- Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
- March (5)
- Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
- Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
- Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
- Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
- You Don't Have to Live With Uncomfortable Cracked Mouth Corners
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2011
Tags
- pediatric dentistry (17)
- celebrity smiles (91)
- orthodontics (10)
- palatal expanders (2)
- braces (11)
- veneers (14)
- prepless veneers (1)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- dental injury (8)
- porcelain veneers (8)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (2)
- oral health (33)
- Oral Hygiene (38)
- Dentist (2)
- Nashua (3)
- diabetes (1)
- sealants (3)
- herbal remedy (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (23)
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (7)
- nutrition (5)
- bridge (1)
- tooth pain (4)
- root canal treatment (6)
- dental implants (24)
- osteoporosis (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- crown (2)
- fluoride (3)
- social media (1)
- gum disease (13)
- laser dentistry (1)
- mouthguards (4)
- dental injuries (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- Cosmetic Dentist (1)
- mouthrinse (1)
- root resorption (1)
- root canal (3)
- TMD (1)
- TMJ (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- smile makeover (3)
- Sugar (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- TADs (1)
- wisdom teeth (8)
- gummy smile (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dentures (5)
- chipped teeth (1)
- Flossing (2)
- orthodontic treatment (22)
- tooth grinding (1)
- frenectomy (1)
- crowns (5)
- oral cancer (4)
- tobacco (1)
- dental crowns (3)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- tooth decay (7)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- Family Dentist (3)
- smoking (3)
- seniors (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- mouthguard (2)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- palatal expander (1)
- teeth whitening (4)
- geographic tongue (1)
- bone grafting (3)
- bad breath (2)
- clear aligners (4)
- chipped tooth (4)
- x-rays (3)
- bonding (1)
- headgear (2)
- thumb sucking (1)
- adult braces (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- medicine (1)
- bone loss (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- Dental Bonding (1)
- Dental Repair (1)
- teething (3)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- x-ray (1)
- dental sealants (2)
- toothache (3)
- eating disorder (1)
- retainer (1)
- Family Dentistry (3)
- loose tooth (2)
- lingual braces (2)
- Filling (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- tooth extraction (1)
- Implants (1)
- Dental Cavity (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- retainers (3)
- Preventive Dentistry (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- Bleeding Gums (1)
- gum recession (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- partial denture (1)
- anxiety (1)

Parents have been dealing with their children's teething pain for as long as parents and children have been around. Along the way, the human race has developed different ways to ease the discomfort of this natural process of dental development. While most are good, common-sense measures, one in particular needs to be avoided at all costs—applying topical oral products to the gums containing Benzocaine.
Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic often found in oral products like Anbesol, Orajel or Topex to help ease tooth pain or sensitivity. The agent can be found in gel, spray, ointment or lozenge products sold over-the-counter. As an analgesic, it's considered relatively safe for adults to use.
But that's not the case with infants or younger children. Researchers have found a link between Benzocaine and methemoglobinemia, a potentially fatal blood condition. Methemoglobinemia elevates the amount of a hemoglobin-like protein called methemoglobin, which in high concentrations can lower oxygen levels being transported to the body's cells through the bloodstream.
Because of their smaller anatomy and organ systems, younger children can have severe reactions to increases in methemoglobin, which can range from shortness of breath or fatigue to seizures, coma or even death. That's why you should never use products with Benzocaine or similar numbing agents to ease teething pain. Instead, follow these common sense practices:
- Give your child chilled rubber teething rings, wet washcloths or pacifiers to chew or gnaw on. The combination of cold temperatures and pressure from biting on them will help ease the pain. Just be sure the item isn't frozen, which could cause frost burns to soft tissues.
- For temporary relief from soreness, gently massage your baby's gums with a clean, bare finger or with it wrapped in a clean, wet cloth. The massaging action helps counteract the pressure of the incoming tooth.
- For intense episodes of teething discomfort, ask your healthcare provider about using an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure you use only the recommended dose size for your child's age.
Teething is in many ways like a storm—it too shall pass. Be sure you're helping your baby weather it safely.
If you would like more information on dealing with teething pain, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.