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Teething issues
Is it safe to use orajel/bonajela (teething gel) for swollen gums and redness in 8 month old baby ?
Answers (11)
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Hello Regarding your concern
Orajel contains benzocaine, I would not recommend using it for swollen gums or teething pain.
The FDA advise against benzocaine-containing teething products because they can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia and provide little lasting benefit.
Next Steps
Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger
* Using a chilled teething ring or cold teethers
* Offering cold foods if the child is already eating solids
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No, don't use orajel. In fact you can use cold teethers for soothing the swollen gums and for pain can use calpol drops.
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Greetings
No, standard numbing teething gels are generally not safe for infants due to significant health risks. Products containing benzocaine can cause a rare, life-threatening blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Many Bonjela products contain salicylates, which are restricted in children under 16 due to Reye's syndrome risk. Lidocaine-based gels are also discouraged as they can wash away and risk toxicity if swallowed. Instead, safely soothe gums by gently massaging with a clean finger or using a chilled, not frozen, rubber teething ring.
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The use of topical oral gels such as Orajel (often containing benzocaine) and Bonjela (which commonly contains choline salicylate in many formulations) is generally not recommended for teething in an 8-month-old child due to significant safety concerns.
Simple analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and paracetamol is enough
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Just stop it
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Dr. Sachin Pariskar
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Pune
Better to Avoid it
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Yes
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Dr. Jyothi
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Hyderabad
No
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Dr. Jay Gajjar
Pediatrician
6 yrs exp
Surat
Give a clean chilled (not frozen) teething ring.
Gently massage the gums with a clean finger.
Offer age-appropriate chilled foods if already on complementary feeds.
Avoid using such gels
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Dr. Devaraja
Pediatrician
11 yrs exp
Coimbatore
No
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.