FDA Warns Parents Over Infant Deaths Due To Teething Gels, Tablets; Urges To Resort To Other Methods

Don't buy that teething gel or tablet for your baby just yet. Better to endure the loud cries than to resent the effects of these "soothing" medications in the long run.

The Food and Drug Administration has been investigating 10 deaths of infants stemming from the use of teething gels, according to the New York Times. Last month, the agency had also told parents to stop the use of these products as they were still looking into the connection of these soothing medications to some infant deaths.

These gels and tablets are used as a remedy for babies whose teeth are coming out. There are reports of muscle weakness, seizures, difficulty in breathing and lethargy after children were given these gels and tablets.

Even though the FDA have no power to recall, distributors have stopped distributing teething gels and tablets to avoid more incidents while the investigation is still ongoing. Hyland Homeopathic already recalled their teething gels in 2010 because they found out that these contained high levels of belladonna, a substance found in one of the most toxic plants known as Atropa belladonna.

Despite its long history of use as a medicine, belladonna could be dangerous if given in high doses, WebMD noted. Although it was widely considered unsafe, belladonna is used as a sedative for bronchial spasms in asthma, used for Parkinson's disease, colic, motion sickness and as a painkiller.

Meanwhile, Hyland Homeopathic has changed the formula of their products following the recall and began selling them again in 2011. After the company stopped distributing their products in stores, they were quick to say that their products are safe.

The FDA, however, stressed that preliminary investigation already showed enough evidence to warn parents from using the products. The FDA further advised parents to seek other remedies in dealing with the teething pains until the investigation is over.

In contrast, some parent hoarded these products in fear of sleepless and restless night of their babies. Healthy Children gives tips on how to provide relief for your babies without having to use medications.

For alternatives, teething toys or frozen bananas might help ease the pain, as well as the use of a parent's finger. So, do you think teething gels could do more harm than good?