Popular teething gel to be discontinued after warning
A popular brand of teething gel has been pulled from shelves amid growing fear one of its ingredients could be harmful to children if too much was swallowed.
The Women’s and Children’s Hospital Teething Gel contains lidocaine, which is no longer recommended for infant teething pain, South Australia Health announced on Tuesday.
“This is because there is limited evidence to prove it is effective and it might be harmful if too much is swallowed,” a post from SA Health said.
Parents were informed they could replace teething gel with teething rings and or giving children a clean, cold cloth to bite on.
The organisation said the decision was a result of a review which determined there was limited evidence proving its effectiveness.
“SA Health recently reviewed the use of the gel and decided that it should no longer be recommended for infant teething. This decision is in line with international and national recommendations,” it announced.
”There are several teething gels sold in Australia, but many of these may also cause harm if too much is swallowed.”
“While these teething gels may be available from community pharmacies, SA Health no longer recommends the use of any teething gel for infant teething.”
Parents made their frustration at the announcement known in comments to the post, with many saying it had relieved their child’s pain on several occasions.
“This is the best for teething and ulcers. Nothing else on the market as good as this product,” one mother wrote.
“Oh my goodness. I come from interstate to get this. All teeth are through in all my kids but nothing better for ulcer pain relief. It’s not like I drink it by the litre,” another said.
More than 3000 people expressed their feelings on the product being pulled, with a vast majority slamming SA Health for its decision.
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