Dr. Fatima Beheshti, D.D.S., is a native of Moraga and graduated from Campolindo High School and the USC School of Dentistry. She proudly serves...
Fatima Beheshti, D.D.S.
Find Us:
Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (95)
- oral health (36)
- nutrition (6)
- retainer (4)
- braces (13)
- pediatric dentistry (17)
- cosmetic dentistry (18)
- dental implants (16)
- diabetes (4)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- sports dentistry (1)
- bonding (6)
- dental injuries (3)
- dental emergencies (1)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- teeth whitening (6)
- dental injury (8)
- crown (1)
- dentures (3)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (3)
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (8)
- periodontal disease (3)
- gum disease (17)
- orthodontic treatment (25)
- toothpaste (2)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- crowns (7)
- tooth decay (8)
- snoring (3)
- sleep apnea (3)
- chipped teeth (3)
- bridge (3)
- sealants (2)
- root canal (7)
- mouthguards (4)
- oral hygiene (22)
- sensitive teeth (2)
- teething (4)
- bad breath (2)
- adult orthodontics (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- chipped tooth (3)
- orthodontics (6)
- root resorption (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- headgear (1)
- ibuprofen (1)
- pain management (1)
- partial denture (4)
- teeth grinding (5)
- stress (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- sugar (1)
- clear aligners (3)
- dental emergency (1)
- tmj disorders (4)
- veneers (5)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- bone grafting (2)
- bonded retainer (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- retainers (3)
- root canal treatment (9)
- interceptive orthodontics (1)
- halloween (1)
- adult braces (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- oral cancer (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- jaw surgery (1)
- cancer (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- flossing (1)
- mouthguard (2)
- pulp capping (1)
- composite resin (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- extraction (1)
- smoking (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- vitamins (1)
- fluoride (2)
- medicine (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- dental care (1)
- bridgework (2)
- gum recession (1)
- shingles (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- implant overdentures (1)
Categories:
Don't Use Benzocaine Products to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain

Although teething is a natural part of your baby's dental development, it can be quite uncomfortable for them—and upsetting to you. During teething, children can experience symptoms like pain, drooling or irritability.
Teething is the two or three-year process of intermittent episodes of the primary ("baby") teeth moving through the gums. These episodes are like storms that build up and then subside after a few days. Your aim as a parent is to help your baby get through the "stormiest" times with as little discomfort as possible. To that end you may have considered using over-the-counter products that temporarily numb irritated gums.
Some of those numbing products, however, contain a pain reliever called benzocaine. In recent years, this and similar ingredients have been found to increase the level of a protein called methemoglobin in the bloodstream. Too much methemoglobin can result in less oxygen delivered to body tissues, a condition known as methemoglobinemia.
This oxygen decrease can cause shortness of breath, fatigue or dizziness. In its severest form it could lead to seizures, coma or even death. Children and infants are at high risk for benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia, which is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned marketing for benzocaine products as pain relievers for teething infants and children.
Fortunately, there are alternatives for helping your child weather teething episodes. A clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or pacifier, or a cold, wet washcloth can help numb gum pain. You can also massage their gums with a clean finger to help counteract the pressure exerted by an emerging tooth. Be sure, though, that you're not allowing anything in your child's mouth like lead-based paint that could be toxic. And under no circumstances should you use substances containing alcohol.
For severe pain, consult your physician about using a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and the proper dosage for your child. With these tips you can help your child safely pass through a teething episode.
If you would like more information on helping your child cope with teething discomfort, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.