You’re exhausted. It’s 3:00 AM, and your baby is screaming because those first incisors are finally pushing through. You reach for the medicine cabinet. Most of us grew up in a world where Orajel was the gold standard, the absolute go-to for a fussy, drooling infant. You just smear a little on the gums, and the crying stops, right?
Well, things have changed. A lot.
If you haven’t looked at a box of Orajel for teething babies lately, you might be surprised to find that the stuff your mom used on you isn't even on the shelves anymore. Not for babies, anyway. The formula has been completely overhauled because the original ingredient—benzocaine—turned out to be significantly more dangerous than anyone realized.
The Benzocaine Ban: Why the Old Orajel Disappeared
For decades, benzocaine was the "magic" ingredient. It’s a local anesthetic that numbs the tissue it touches. Sounds perfect for a sore gum, but there’s a massive catch. In 2018, the FDA issued a stern warning that essentially forced manufacturers to stop marketing benzocaine products for children under two years old.
Why the drama? It’s a condition called methemoglobinemia.
Basically, benzocaine can trigger a reaction where the amount of oxygen carried through the bloodstream drops to dangerously low levels. It’s rare, but it’s fast. And it can be fatal. A baby’s blood literally loses the ability to keep their organs oxygenated.
You’ll see the signs quickly.
📖 Related: How to Use Kegel Balls: What Most People Get Wrong About Pelvic Floor Training
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin (especially the lips and nail beds).
- Shortness of breath.
- Extreme fatigue or confusion.
Honestly, the risk-to-reward ratio just wasn't there. The FDA pointed out that these gels don't even stay on the gums long enough to provide real relief because babies drool so much. The medicine just washes away and gets swallowed.
What’s Actually in Orajel for Teething Babies Now?
If you go to the store today and buy a box of Orajel Baby, you’ll notice it’s labeled as "Drug-Free."
This is a huge distinction. The modern version of Orajel for teething babies relies on cooling sensations rather than numbing agents. The daytime and nighttime "Cooling Gels" usually contain ingredients like water, sorbitol, propylene glycol, and glycerin. Some versions, especially the nighttime ones, include chamomile to help soothe a cranky infant.
It’s a safer approach. No drugs. No benzocaine. No belladonna (another controversial ingredient found in some homeopathic tablets).
But let’s be real for a second: because it's drug-free, it’s not a "knock-out" solution for pain. It provides a mild, cooling distraction. It’s sorta like putting a cold compress on a bruise—it feels better for a minute, but it’s not the same as taking a heavy-duty painkiller.
The Myths We Still Believe
Parents still walk into pharmacies asking for "the numbing stuff." I get it. We want the crying to stop.
👉 See also: Fruits that are good to lose weight: What you’re actually missing
But one of the biggest misconceptions is that the "Infant" version of benzocaine gels was somehow totally safe because the concentration was lower (usually 7.5% instead of the 10% or 20% found in adult versions). The truth is that even that 7.5% was enough to trigger methemoglobinemia in small children.
Another big one? Homeopathic "natural" alternatives.
Just because a box says "natural" doesn't mean it’s safe. The FDA has previously warned against homeopathic teething tablets because they found inconsistent amounts of belladonna—also known as deadly nightshade. One tablet might have a tiny bit, and the next could have enough to cause seizures.
Better Ways to Handle the Drool Fest
If you’ve decided to skip the gels or want to supplement them, there are old-school methods that actually work better.
The Washcloth Trick
This is the MVP of teething. Take a clean washcloth, wet it, and pop it in the fridge (not the freezer). Let the baby gnaw on it. The texture of the cloth massages the gums, and the cold reduces inflammation.
Gum Massage
Wash your hands. Seriously, scrub them. Then, use one finger to apply firm, gentle pressure directly to your baby's gums. Sometimes the counter-pressure of your finger is more effective than any gel could ever be.
✨ Don't miss: Resistance Bands Workout: Why Your Gym Memberships Are Feeling Extra Expensive Lately
Chilled Teethers
Solid rubber teething rings are great. Avoid the ones filled with liquid, though. If a baby’s sharp new tooth punctures the plastic, they could swallow whatever mystery fluid is inside. Keep it solid, keep it cold.
When Should You Use "Real" Medicine?
If your baby is inconsolable and the cooling gels or cold washcloths aren't cutting it, talk to your pediatrician about acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin).
Ibuprofen is generally only for babies over six months, but it’s an anti-inflammatory, which means it actually targets the swelling in the gums. Acetaminophen is usually okay for younger babies, but dosage is everything. Never guess the dose based on age; always go by your baby’s current weight and your doctor's advice.
Actionable Steps for Today
If you are currently dealing with a teething baby, here is your game plan:
- Check your labels. If you have an old tube of Orajel in the back of the cabinet, check the active ingredients. If it says Benzocaine, toss it. It is not worth the risk for a child under two.
- Try the cooling gels. If you want a topical solution, use the drug-free Orajel for teething babies. It’s safe for frequent use (up to 4 times a day) and provides a temporary cooling sensation.
- Prepare a "Cold Station." Keep two or three wet, rolled-up washcloths in the fridge at all times. Swap them out as they get warm.
- Monitor for more than just pain. Teething causes drooling and fussiness, but it does not cause a high fever (over 101°F), diarrhea, or a body rash. If your baby has those symptoms, they’re likely sick with something else, and you should call the doctor.
Teething is a phase. It’s a long, loud, messy phase, but you’ll get through it without needing dangerous numbing agents. Stick to the cooling gels and the cold rags, and keep the Tylenol as a backup for those really rough nights.