Does Whiskey Ease Teething Pain?
Avery from Burlington, North Carolina e-mails The Doctors because her baby is teething, and she wants to help her feel more comfortable. Avery has tried to rub the baby’s gums, and her mother even suggested rubbing whiskey inside her child’s mouth! “That’s one of those old wives’ tales,” Dr. Jim says. “Back in the old days, people used whiskey, alcohol, all sorts of stuff to numb lots of different pains, but don’t use it for teething!” Dr. Jim explains that soft, rubber teething toys and biscuits, bagels, popsicles and frozen, wet washcloths are all safe, healthy options to give a teething baby. He advises against rubbing aspirin, vitamin C, and of course, alcohol, on the baby’s teeth. “A good ol’ dose of Tylenol or ibuprofen, those are good things to help with the pain,” he adds. Too Clean Keeping your house clean is important, but sometimes keeping it too clean puts you and your family at risk. Many common cleaners contain dangerous chemicals such as ammonia, formaldehyde and bleach.
