Use caution with products containing benzocaine

Previous advice included sparingly applying an OTC antiseptic containing benzocaine directly to the irritated tooth and gum for temporary relief. But benzocaine has been linked to a rare and serious, sometimes deadly, condition called methemoglobinemia, which decreases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. So follow these guidelines:

• Talk to your dentist or doctor before using an OTC antiseptic containing benzocaine.
• Don't use any products that contain benzocaine — such as teething gels with benzocaine (Anbesol, Orabase, Orajel, others) — in children younger than 2 years old.
• Never use more than the recommended dose of benzocaine.
• Store products containing benzocaine out of the reach of children.