A Boobie Post...Yes, that's the warning.

Yeah, so ignoring the fact that I may lose a couple of followers after this post, I will tell you the truth.  My boobs HURT.
It's not that "I'm-so-engorged-I-think-they-may-explode" kind of hurt.  It's the "my-baby-bit-me-and-broke-the-skin-on-my-nipple" kind of hurt.
I sometimes feel like I'm breastfeeding a piranha...or maybe a member of THIS family.  
I normally wouldn't make a whole post dedicated to the AGONY of having a bite hole in the side of my nipple, but I'm making an exception this time.

I'm preeeetty sure this is my daughter.

Baby Girl is on the boob about 30 times a day, if not more, these days.  She will hardly drink water, and completely refuses any other liquids.  I am most certainly having supply issues, but I'm working on that.  I thought maybe if I was making more milk for her, she'd get her fill and give my poor boobs a break for a few extra minutes.  I even started taking more Domperidone, just hoping for a little help until I can sprout these Fenugreek Seeds.  So far, nothing is helping.

The truth is that I know that she's teething.  Two at once, on the top.  And the gums where the bottom two haven't come in yet are super hard.  She'll get them anytime too.  She's even got a lovely rash on her face, which she's NEVER had before.  Our Realtor (a friend of the family) told me that both of her boys had the same rash when teething...but it's new for me.  And for Baby Girl.  She has my complete sympathy.  I have had too many toothaches to even count, and to be a baby with a sore mouth...I can't imagine how much that sucks for her.  I know she's nursing for comfort, and if it's all I can do to really keep her from crying, I'll do it.

On top of the damaged nipple thing, there's the issue of my boobs themselves.  Oh, I'm not going to go too into it...but I WILL say that I nursed my son for more than 16 months on one boob.  If I can nurse a 22 month old porkchop on one boob, anyone can!  I don't know how common it is, but it's like one boob just doesn't understand that it's supposed to be making milk.  Super annoying.  (I had every intention of posting a picture of something clever to go with this part of the post, and ended up seeing some of the most INSANE breast pictures EVER.  I wish I had Brain Bleach to erase the image of those Volvo-sized boobs...)

Anyways... this is more of a post to let people know that even though I'm no rookie, this isn't always easy for me either.  I think the biggest lie anyone has ever told was that breastfeeding is "always so natural and beautiful", because sometimes it is JUST NOT.  It's not always rainbows and unicorns.  There are times it's torture.  Like now.

Well, that's what it feel like!

And I'm no super-hero.  I have those thoughts I'm sure other moms have had...and it's all caused by the soft-tissue trauma going on under my shirt.  LOL  These days I sometimes wish my baby would just drink water out of that Dora sippy cup and leave my poor damaged boobie alone.  And sometimes I wish that my other boob would step it up and do what it's supposed to be doing, not just hanging around doing nothing all day.  (MOOCH!)  Oh, and then there's the times I wish my husband could breastfeed her...just a couple of times...even just one day.  Just to give my boob a break.  But noooooo....I guess I'm not married to THIS GUY.  My boob hurts so much, that guy is starting to look pretty good right now.  LOL!

But as much as I bitch (and I do), I'll keep going.  I'll keep nursing that little tooth-monster until she weans herself.  Logically I know it's what's best for her, and logic has to outweigh my desire instinct to HEAD FOR THE HILLS everytime she comes up and says "Bub bub".

Even if breastfeeding didn't have any health benefits, it makes her happy.  I knew a long time ago that I would do whatever I have to do to make sure she's happy...chewed nipple or not.    (And because there are too many health benefits to ignore, my logic-based brain has to do what needs to be done, no matter what.)

Teething can't be easy for them.  I know those teeth aren't being easy on me, and I'm an adult!  So I'm going to suck it up and continue to put her best interest before my own.  I just had to complain for a minute.  I (almost) feel better...

Ugh.  It's almost bedtime...my boob hurts just thinking about it!  >.<

This too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...

Maybe in another post I'll tell you about the damage she did in the first week after her birth!  Aughhh!!!

*Sorry for talking about my boobs.  It could be worse, I guess.  I could have named them.  LOL

Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces

So I'm selling a few teething necklaces.  They're $20. each, and I can ship the same day I receive payment.  Within Canada or the US, I'll pay the shipping.  To the UK (or anywhere else), please add $3 for shipping.

This is one on my 3 year old son.

They all look the same, and are all roughly 12 1/2 inches long.

I actually bought them to sell at a mom-2-mom sale, but I thought I'd give all of you a chance at them first.

If you're interested in buying a necklace, please just leave me a message with your address, and I'll tell you how to pay for it.

Send messages to:  chewygranolamomma.yahoo.ca


For information on teething necklaces, check out THIS POST.

And one more thing.  I did not believe these would work when I bought one for our baby girl.  It was only out of total desperation that I ended up ordering one, and I cannot stress enough how wonderfully it has worked!  I wouldn't sell them or endorse them if they didn't work.  It has saved my sanity, and the baby has now cut 12 teeth...the first two came in before the necklace arrived, and it was 3 days of screaming for each tooth.  Even baby Advil didn't help her.  It's a horrible feeling to watch your little one screaming in pain and not be able to help.  She was refusing the breast, she didn't want to be held or touched, and every time she finally fell asleep and I would put her down, she'd wake up screaming.
Within an hour of putting the necklace on her, she was smiling again...something I never thought I'd see again.  Within two hours she was laughing and she was back to that happy baby she'd always been.  I should also mention that she's cutting her 4th molar right now, and hasn't so much as whimpered.  (But take that necklace off for two days and you'll see the feisty red-haired attitude come out!)

I have also put a necklace on each of my 3yo twins, and it has kind of leveled them out.  The best way I can describe what's happened after they got the necklaces is to tell you that before they got them, they were about a 10/10 on the crazy scale.  With the necklaces, they're about a 7/10.  It took about two days of them wearing the necklaces before I noticed any difference, and it's been about a month since they started wearing them and if I forget to put them on the kids in the morning, I notice within an hour or two (because they'll be driving me CRAZY), and once I put them on, they're calmer within an hour or two.  I told them that they're "Rescue Hero" necklaces, so they ask for them when they get out of bed, and they're excited to wear them.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Take care.  : )

AND THE WINNER IS......................

I thought, in the best interest of showing you how fair this contest was done, I took a picture of the names written on the paper (so you could all see your name was entered), and one of them folded up (so you could see they were all folded exactly the same way).  I also made a video of my son (he's 3) helping me with the contest.  He can't read, and had no idea wtf I was getting him to do, so clearly there was no cheating!  : )  

The name of the winner is at the end of the video. 

Congratulations to the winner, and thank you EVERYONE for entering!!!

All the names on the same size paper.

All folded the same way.

And the video...

I will contact the winner to get their address, so I can get this mailed out ASAP.

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace GIVEAWAY!!

Butter Round Amber Teething Necklace

Okay, so I have spent WAY too much time trying to think up a contest so I can give away the necklace I got for free from "Inspired By Finn".

It's hard, you know, to think up something that is fair for everyone.  Something you can all take part in, even if you're all from different countries.  Even if you can't drive.  Even if you have a few small children at home that keep you from being able to go out and take part in most contests.
I'm NOT having a "my-kid-is-so-much-cuter-than-yours" contest.
I'm NOT having a "refer me to your friends to enter" contest.

In the true spirit of giving, I'm going to have a

PAY IT FORWARD contest!  

I'm giving you something for free (when most people probably wouldn't have even told you they were getting something for having people use that code for 25% off).  And so, in return, I want you to do something for someone else. 

What can I do, you may ask?  LOL  Well, lets see.

You can bake a cake for the elderly gentleman next door.
You can pay for a coffee for the next person behind you in the drive through line.
You can take some gently used items to the women's shelter in your area.
You can bake cupcakes for the kids in/on your child's dance class/hockey team, etc.  (Just to say "you're all doing a great job!")
TO SHOW ME WHAT YOU'VE DONE, POST A PHOTO AND AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT YOU DID TO PAY IT FORWARD.  You MUST post your photo on the PAGE WALL before the deadline to be entered into the contest!!!!

Be creative. 

The contest is going to open RIGHT NOW...Sept. 14, 2011.  1:30pm (my time).
I'm going to leave it open for just over a week.  On my birthday, September 24th, 2011, I will close the contest (at NOON, my time!) and begin to choose a winner. 

The winner will be announced on September 30th, as soon as I get out of bed in the morning.
Any submissions after NOON on SEPTEMBER 24TH will not be eligible to win.  I'll post on the page wall that it's closed.

The winner will be chosen by myself, my husband, and whomever else I can find to help me.  LOL 

I PROMISE you that no one I know personally will have any part in the judging, and I PROMISE to be fair.  No one helping me choose a winner will be eligible to win the necklace.

Please know there is only one necklace...your chances are 1 in howevermanyplayalong (so please don't get angry if you don't win!!!) 

The purpose of this kind of contest is that even though ONLY ONE PERSON can win the prize, you ALL did a good deed for someone. 
**When I eventually get something else to give away, the winner of THIS contest is not eligible to win the next one.**

My choice is the final word.  If you can't handle the idea that you may lose, please for the LOVE OF PETE, don't enter. 
I just will not deal with drama.  If you create drama, you will be disqualified from winning.  Again, that is MY say.  If you can't handle THAT, again, please don't enter. 
Lets keep this fun, and remember the intentions for the contest.  Good deeds.
The winner will be announced on the page wall after I have been in contact with them.  I will pay the postage for the necklace, and will be sending it express post (so it can be tracked).  I've seen too many other pages do contests and have drama because their item couldn't be tracked to the winner.

If you have any questions, please post them on the group wall...HERE.
HAVE FUN!!!!

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace Code For 25% Off Purchase

THIS IS NO LONGER VALID.  ALL 15 ITEMS WERE SOLD.  PLEASE SEE THE END OF THE POST FOR INFORMATION.

I have been given a code for 25% off Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces from "Inspired By Finn".
I am going to post the code here, and I ask that if you use it to get the 25% off, you send me a message at momofcutetwins@hotmail.com, or post on the wall of the Facebook page for this blog, if that's easier for you.  (I need to keep track of the number of pieces sold.)

As far as I know, it's good for 15 pieces of jewelry, and if I can get that many pieces sold using the code, I can get an amber necklace for free.
  
If you want to know more about what amber necklaces do, click HERE for my blog post about them.

If this all works out, I will do some kind of contest to give the free necklace away to someone who follows my blog...whether here or on the Facebook page.

(I was going to keep the free one and order another one next month for a giveaway in December.  I decided instead to take advantage of the discount myself, and will now be giving away the free one I get if 15 items are purchased from "Inspired By Finn" before the discount code expires.)

The code is:  " DoBetter ".

*August 26th--posted on the blog's Facebook page.
*August 27th--posted here, and on my personal Facebook profile.*August 28th--THERE ARE ONLY 7 ITEMS LEFT THAT WILL QUALIFY FOR THIS DISCOUNT.
*August 29th--only 5 items left that will qualify for the discount.
*August 29th (9:30pm)--only 2 more items left that will qualify for the discount!!
*August 30th (10am)--ONLY 1 MORE LEFT!!!
*August 30th (11:30am)--THIS IS NO LONGER VALID.  ALL 15 PIECES HAVE BEEN SOLD.  I WILL POST INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONTEST AS SOON AS THE FREE NECKLACE ARRIVES AT MY HOUSE.

Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces

What is amber teething necklace?

Once an infant starts cutting teeth, it can be a painful process for infants and parents alike with remedies including everything from clean, wet washrags to pain relief pills. One of the oldest methods available is an amber teething necklace, which the infant wears around their neck helps relieve the pain associated with teething.

Amber Teething Necklaces are designed and custom made for babies, all they have to do is wear it on their skin, to diminish the pain and discomfort caused by teething.
An appropriate length of teething necklaces is (approx 12″ or 32 cm) to ensure the majority of children shouldn’t be able to fit the necklace in their mouth while it’s been worn. Wearing baltic amber is a traditional European remedy for teething. Baltic amber teething necklace are made to be worn by teething children to provide them with natural pain relief from teething symptoms, they are ideal for both boys and girls to wear. These teething necklaces aren’t made for chewing, but rather, they’re usually made to be worn by the mother while the child is carried against the mother.

Amber is a natural analgesic and when worn on the skin, it releases healing oils that helps babies and young children to stay calm and more relaxed thoughout teething. Amber necklaces are a great natural remedy and can eliminate the need for over the counter drugs. There are some versions of the amber teething necklace that are meant to be worn by the child, but I would think you’d have to be very careful about that. If the necklaces were to be worn by babies the child should only wear it when being supervises (never while sleeping) and the clasp would have to be a “break away” clasp to prevent any sort of accidental pulling or choking!

Every amber teething necklace has been hand-crafted by Baltic amber specialists with generations of experience who carefully polish and softly round the Baltic amber beads. Unlike cheaper amber 'chips', amberbebe.com uses rounded polished beads, which lay comfortably against baby's skin. This allows maximum skin contact and gives added comfort to your child.

Teething DOES NOT have to be painful for your baby

The Baltic amber teething necklace has been designed to ensure the safety of your child by knotting before & after each bead so in the event that the necklace does break (it will break if excessive force is applied) only one bead will come off and the remaining beads will stay intact. The clasp is made from an amber/plastic, with a plastic screw mechanism. The clasp is laboratory tested to release if excessive force is applied to the necklace, which ensures the highest safety. Unlike traditional clasps used on children’s necklaces (parrot clasp and ring) which do not release, they rely on the ring or necklace breaking to release.

If that wasn't enough they also look gorgeous, great for both boys and girls young and old. We have five lovely warm colours (Butterscotch, Honey, Cognac, Cherry and Multi) to choose from. Every necklace is unique with tiny air bubbles and natural particles within the amber itself. The beads are soft with smooth rounded edges that are comfortable for babies to wear. They look fantastic.

How does they work?

In the 1930's and 40's, European biochemists discovered that succinic acid is an amino acid created naturally in every cell of the body capable of aerobic respiration, participating in the citric acid, or Krebs cycle . This is how carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are metabolized into energy. Wearing amber may also protect us against the negative influences of electrical equipment like computers, televisions, mobile phone and microwave ovens. Part of what's amazing about amber is that the chemical properties of the resin which when formed acted as a natural embalming agent, with both drying and anti-microbial properties. Ancient Egyptians actually used pine resin as an embalming agent, and doctors in the Civil War, lacking anything else, would sometimes slap tree resin on a wound as a disinfectant and saved lives that way. Worn close to the skin, the body's heat helps release minuscule amounts of oil from the amber, which is then absorbed into the blood stream.

Baltic amber has be known to reduce acidity in the human body in a totally natural way. By having the baby wear the necklace everyday it helps reduce the common symptoms related to teething such as; redness in the cheeks, swollen gums, diaper rashes and fevers.

What is amber?

Amber is the fossilised sap from prehistoric trees that grew as much as fifty million years ago, primarily in Scandinavia and elsewhere around the Baltic Sea. Amber has been worn for centuries as a natural remedy for pain relief and to promote fast healing and boost the immune system. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal as a natural (no drugs) homeopathic product for babies and children.

Who can wear it?

Amber necklaces can be worn by children aged between 3 months to 2 years of age - which is about the time baby teething stops. In fact, getting your baby used to wearing an amber necklace from a young age is a good idea as the earlier the baby starts with the necklace, the easier it becomes a part of them. They are so used to it being there, that they don’t pay attention to it by pulling on it or attempting to bite it.


Safety using baby necklace

Amberizon

*The thread is knotted after each bead, if the necklace should break the beads will not scatter everywhere.
*All beads used are small enough to be swallowed but not pose a choking hazard.
*Teething necklaces should be removed when baby is sleeping or unattended!(I put mine under her pant leg, around her ankle at night)
*Amber necklaces are made for wearing, not for chewing! Amber will crack and break under too much pressure.
*Please use caution and supervise your child while using the necklace.
*I cannot assume any responsibility in the wearing of this necklace.

Disclaimer

This is "real jewellery" and should be treated just like a string of pearls. It should not be worn by any infant or child unsupervised, and should not be gummed or mouthed by the wearer. Inspect the necklace often. If the silk starts to degrade it maybe time to restring. The magnetic clasp should not be worn by, or near anyone with a pacemaker

Beliefs

New age beliefs suggest it transmutes negative into positive energy, and promotes positive thinking and attitude. It also activates the solar plexus and root chakra. Amber revitalizes mind, body and soul and helps to relieve depression. It supports physical healing and detoxification, and is used for disorders of the adrenals, liver and spleen.

One-stop-purchase

Amber necklaces can really help to soothe a child during teething. Unlike other baby teething products, an amber necklace is a one-off purchase, looks great and can be passed on from one child to the next.

What is baby teething and when do babies start teething?

Baby teething is the process by which a baby begins to get his or her teeth. A baby can begin teething as early as 3 months but the normal/average age for a baby to begin teething is between 5 and 7 months of age. Babies usually get their first tooth during that time period. Teething patterns are also often hereditary so ask your parents your teething patterns to get an idea of what you went through while teething and when you got your first tooth. There is no magic age for a baby to start teething. For additional information please consult a pediatrician or dentist and view our additional baby teething resources below.

What are the baby teething symptoms?

When a baby begins teething he/she can become irritable and upset. Baby will probably bite and gnaw a lot. Your baby will probably bite down and chew on anything he/she can including you. When your baby is teething he/she may not sleep well either. Some other normal baby teething symptoms are drooling, ear pulling, crying, runny nose and possibly a rash on the face/chin area and neck. Some less common possibly associated symptoms are low grade fever and diarrhea. However, all doctors do not agree on this. If your child has a fever and/or diarrhea and no other symptoms please consult a doctor. For additional information please consult a pediatrician

***********************************************************************************

When a friend of mine told me about her little daughter's teething pain, it made me think. I knew I had heard something about teething necklaces, but had never used one on any of my own children. At our house, the kids don't put up much of a fuss about teething. But because I love her, I looked into it...I hate knowing that her little sweetheart is in pain, and we all know how it makes us feel when our babies are crying and we can't fix it! And I figured that worst case scenario, it won't work. She just got it today...so I'll keep you posted.

These are a couple of the best ones I've found so far:

I sent my friend one from here, as the shipping is the same anywhere in the world, and she is in the UK:
http://www.alwaysinfashion.com/amber_teething_necklaces

I ordered mine from "greenbabybargains.com", and it was 50% off. Not a bad deal! They have deals everyday on "green" products for children, so go check them out!

The place I got my necklace from is called "Inspired By Finn", and it just came in!  I'm so excited to get it on my daughter after she gets up from her nap.  She's cutting two teeth, and nothing I do seems to make her feel better.  Hopefully this works for her!!  (You can also follow "Inspired By Finn" on Facebook.)
_________________________________________________________________
So, we have had the amber teething necklace from "Inspired By Finn" for a while now.  My daughter has now cut 3 teeth since getting it, and has been working on another one for two weeks now...not one bit of fuss at all!!!  When I bought this, I didn't know if it would work...but desperation drove me to it.  And I'll tell you, I have been BEYOND impressed by it!!!  I once again have my sweet happy baby back. 
I also took the necklace off of the baby when I had a migraine, not knowing if it would work or not...nothing else was, so what was the worst that could happen...right?  Well, a two-day migraine was gone within an hour and a half after putting it on!  0_0
I'm going to be going out of my way to get myself my own necklace for migraine PREVENTION.

**I am now selling teething necklaces for $20 each (free shipping in Canada and the US), so if you're interested in one, check out THIS POST.  They are genuine baltic amber, shipped from Lithuania.  I don't have a business, and actually just bought these necklaces to sell at a mom-2-mom sale, so I don't need to charge what places like "Inspired By Finn" charge.  These necklaces aren't paying my bills...they're just a little extra money.
You can order a necklace by sending me an email at:  chewygranolamomma@yahoo.ca
or by leaving a post on the Facebook page.

The Danger Of Benzocaine Gels And Liquids

Questions & Answers: Reports of a rare, but serious and potentially fatal adverse effect with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) benzocaine gels and liquids applied to the gums or mouth

On April 7, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public about the use of over-the-counter (OTC) products containing benzocaine, an ingredient used to reduce pain in the mouth and gums. Benzocaine use may cause a rare, but serious condition where the amount of oxygen that can be carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced. This condition is called methemoglobinemia. FDA is particularly concerned about the use of OTC benzocaine products in children for relief of pain from teething because of the serious outcomes, including death, that may be associated with methemoglobinemia, as well as the difficulty parents or consumers may have in recognizing the signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia when using these products at home. Furthermore, symptoms of methemoglobinemia may not always be evident or attributed to the condition.

Parents and caregivers should not use OTC benzocaine products on children under two years of age, except under the advice and supervision of a healthcare professional. If benzocaine products are used, it should be used sparingly and only when needed, but not more than four times a day.

Below is some additional information about benzocaine, methemoglobinemia, and steps consumers can take if they have or recognize an adverse reaction after using an OTC product containing benzocaine.

Q1. What is benzocaine?
Q2. Why is FDA concerned about the use of benzocaine?
Q3. What are the signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia?
Q4. What should consumers do if they recognize the signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia?
Q5. What should parents and caregivers do if they are currently using OTC benzocaine products on children who are teething?
Q6. What are alternative methods for reducing pain from teething?

Q1. What is benzocaine?

A. Benzocaine is a local anesthetic and is the active ingredient in many OTC products used to relieve pain in the mouth and gums from a variety of conditions such as teething, canker sores, and irritation of the mouth and gums.

OTC benzocaine products come in the form of gels, sprays, liquids, and lozenges. Many OTC benzocaine products are sold under the brand names listed here. Please note that there may be additional benzocaine products that are not listed. Consumers can look at the Drug Facts label when buying products used to treat pain in the mouth and gums to find out whether benzocaine is listed as the active ingredient.

Q2. Why is FDA concerned about the use of benzocaine?

A. FDA is concerned about the use of benzocaine products because they may cause a rare, but serious and possibly fatal condition where the amount of oxygen carried through the blood steam is greatly reduced. This condition is called methemoglobinemia. In the most severe cases, methemoglobinemia can result in death. Labels of OTC benzocaine products currently do notcontain warnings about methemoglobinemia, therefore, FDA is concerned that consumers may not be aware of and monitor for this condition when using OTC benzocaine products.

Methemoglobinemia with benzocaine use has been reported in adults and children. FDA is particularly concerned about the use of OTC benzocaine products in children aged two years and younger. There have been 21 reported cases of methemoglobinemia after the use of OTC benzocaine gels and liquids. Eleven of the 21 cases occurred in children two years of age or younger who were treated with benzocaine gel for teething.

Given the seriousness of the cases of methemoglobinemia, FDA will continue to evaluate the safety of benzocaine products and will update the public when additional information is available.

Q3. What are the signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia?

A. Methemoglobinemia is a rare, but serious condition where the amount of oxygen carried by the blood is greatly reduced. Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may include:

• pale, gray or blue colored skin, lips, and nail beds
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• confusion
• headache
• lightheadedness
• rapid heart rate

Symptoms of methemoglobinemia usually appear within minutes to one or two hours after using benzocaine gels or liquids. Methemoglobinemia can occur after the first time a person uses benzocaine, or after using a benzocaine product multiple times.

Q4. What should consumers do if they recognize the signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia?

A. Stop using the product and seek medical help immediately by calling 911.

Methemoglobinemia caused by benzocaine may require treatment with medications and may require admission to a hospital. Serious cases of methemoglobinemia should be treated promptly. If left untreated or if treatment is delayed, serious cases of methemoglobinemia may cause permanent injury to the brain and body tissues, and even death, due to an inadequate supply of oxygen.

Q5. What should parents and caregivers do if they are currently using OTC benzocaine products on children who are teething?

A. Parents, caregivers, and consumers should not use OTC benzocaine products on children under two years of age, except under the advice and supervision of a healthcare professional. Parents and caregivers using OTC benzocaine products on children should closely watch for signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia. These may include pale, gray or blue colored skin, lips, and nail beds; shortness of breath; fatigue; confusion; headache; lightheadedness; and rapid heart rate. In some cases, symptoms of methemoglobinemia may not always be evident or attributed to the condition. Symptoms usually appear within minutes to one or two hours after using a benzocaine product, and methemoglobinemia can develop after using the product for the first time, as well as after several uses. Parents and caregivers who suspect a child may have methemoglobinemia should stop using the product and seek medical help immediately by calling 911.

Parents and caregivers should keep OTC benzocaine products out of reach of children and should not allow children to use these products without supervision. Consumers should follow the directions printed on the product labeling when using OTC benzocaine products.

Parents, caregivers, and consumers should report any reactions, symptoms, or side effects from the use of OTC benzocaine products to the FDA MedWatch program, using the information in the "Contact Us" box at the bottom of the page.

Q6. What are alternative methods for reducing pain from teething?

A. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommends the following for treating teething pain:1,2

• Give the child a teething ring chilled in the refrigerator.
• Gently rub or massage the child’s gums with your finger to relieve the symptoms of teething in children.

If these methods do not provide relief from teething pain, consumers should contact a healthcare professional to identify other treatments.

References

1. Markman L. Teething: facts and fiction. Pediatr Rev. 2009;30:e59-64.
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Teething: 4 to 7 Months. Available at:http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/pages/Teething-4-to-7-Months.aspx. Accessed on March 28, 2011.

List of OTC Benzocaine Products*

Americaine	Dent’s Maxi-Strength Toothache	Orajel Medicated Toothache
Americaine Hemorrhoidal	Dermoplast Antibacterial	Orajel Mouth Sore
Anbesol	Dermoplast Painrelieving	Orajel Multi-Action Cold Sore
Anbesol Baby	Detane	Orajel PM
Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy	Dry Socket Remedy	Orajel Ultra Mouth Sore
Anbesol Jr.	Exactacain	Oticaine
Anbesol Maximum Strength	Foille	Otocain
Baby Orajel	Freez Eez	Outgro
Banadyne	HDA Toothache	Red Cross Canker Sore
Benzocaine Burn Spray	Hurricaine	Rid-A-Pain Dental Drops
Benzodent	Ivy-Rid	Skeeter Stik
Boil Ease Maximum Strength	Kanka Soft Brush	Sting-Kill
Cepacol Sore Throat	Lanacane	Tanac
Cetacaine	Lanacane Maximum Strength	Thorets
Chiggerex	Mycinettes	Topicale Xtra
Chiggertox	Navogan	Trocaine
Comfort Caine	Orabase with Benzocaine	Walgreens Oral Anesthetic Paste
Dentapaine	Orajel Denture Plus	Walgreens Zilactin-B
Dent’s Extra Strength Toothache	Orajel Maximum Strength	Zilactin Toothache and Gum Pain

*This list is not all-inclusive

Taken from:http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm250029.htm