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From the Wisconsin Dental Association:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 2 to 5-year-olds are the only age group in this country where the incidence of decay - early childhood caries and its serious health consequences in particular - is on the rise. Solid data shows children seen by age 1 have significantly less dental disease throughout childhood than their peers who are first seen later in life.
With this rising incidence of tooth decay among very young children and a limited number of pediatric dentists, the WDA Dental Home initiative is helping general dentists and their dental teams become more comfortable and competent in examining and treating very young children.
The WDA Dental Home goal is to examine all children earlier and educate their parents and caregivers.
The WDA defines a dental home as:
“The ongoing relationship between the dentist who is the primary dental care provider and the patient, which includes comprehensive oral health care, beginning no later than age 1 in a continuously accessible, coordinated and family-centered way.”

- Source: Wisconsin Dental Association

Hyland’s Teething Tablets: Recall - Risk of Harm to Children

[Posted 10/23/2010] AUDIENCE: Consumers, Pediatrics

ISSUE: FDA notified consumers that Hyland’s Teething Tablets is being recalled because the tablets may pose a risk to children. The tablets are manufactured to contain a small amount of belladonna, a substance that can cause serious harm at larger doses. For such a product, it is important that the amount of belladonna be carefully controlled. FDA laboratory analysis has found that Hyland’s Teething Tablets contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna.

FDA has received reports of serious adverse events in children taking this product that are consistent with belladonna toxicity. The FDA has also received reports of children who consumed more tablets than recommended, because the containers do not have child resistant caps.

BACKGROUND: Hyland’s Teething Tablets is a homeopathic product, intended to provide temporary relief of teething symptoms in children. It is sold over-the-counter (OTC) in retail outlets. The FDA has not evaluated Hyland’s Teething Tablets for safety or efficacy, and is not aware of any proven clinical benefit offered by the product.

RECOMMENDATION: FDA recommends that consumers not use this product and dispose of any in their possession. FDA advises consumers to consult their health care professional if their child experiences symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using Hyland’s Teething Tablets.

- Source: FDA - US Food and Drug Administration