Teething trouble is a pain for kids

PARENTS with teething babies and toddlers will only be able to buy gels over the counter at the pharmacy from now on.

While the gels such as Bonjela, Dentinox and Anbesol are widely used by mums and dads, they’ll no longer be available in shops and supermarkets.

That’s because the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says pharmacists are best placed to offer guidance and support on teething.

They say any gels containing the ingredient Lidocaine should only be used when ‘non-medical options’ such as ‘rubbing or massaging the gums or a teething ring’ haven’t worked.

The advice follows a review of the products concluded there is a lack of evidence of benefit to using products containing Lidocaine for teething before non-medicinal options.

Dr Sarah Branch, deputy director of MHRA’s vigilance and risk management of medicines (VRMM) division, said: “Our review showed there is a lack of evidence of benefit to using teething gels.

“To help babies and children with teething, parents and caregivers should try non-medicine options such as rubbing or massaging the gums or a teething ring.

“We want to make sure you get the right information about teething. If your child continues to have problems, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare professional.”

The full list of affected products is: Anbesol teething gel, Anbesol, Liquid Bonjela teething gel, Bonjela junior gel, Boots teething gel 3 Months+Calgel teething gel, Dentinox teething gel.