Materials like marble, silicone, wood, or amber are used to make teething jewelry because of the widespread idea that amber includes an anti-inflammatory chemical produced when the beads warm-up against a child’s body. These amber teething necklaces for newborns are probably the most well-liked among parents. Even though teething jewelry is becoming increasingly popular, the Children Dental Center Indianapolis IN HAS issued a warning against its usage due to the significant danger of choking and strangulation and the lack of proof that it is effective.
Many parents struggle to balance the Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN teething jewelry warning against slang-based information. After all, isn’t it more significant if your closest friend or neighbor swears by amber beads than an article on the internet? Are teething necklaces effective?
Let’s look at this phenomenon first, and you may make your judgment.
- The appeal of teething jewelry
Due to the widespread belief that teething jewelry for newborns reduces the pain and suffering associated with teething, it has become more and more popular among parents of young children. No one is pleased if the infant is unhappy. Therefore, parents are often prepared to go above and beyond to ensure their child is happy. But what precisely is it that teething jewelry is supposed to do?
- Pain relief
The purported anti-inflammatory effects of teething jewelry are one of the most popular reasons parents use it. This is why amber jewelry is so well-liked. It is fossilized tree resin made of oils with a minor amount of succinic acid. Succinic acid has been promoted as a natural alternative to acetaminophen (Tylenol), which Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN typically advise against. Another two teething adverse effects, drooling and inflammation, are thought to be effectively reduced by amber.
Because the necklaces, bracelets, and anklets are made of wood or silicone, giving some comfort when kids chew on them, teething jewelry is also linked to pain treatment. They get temporary pain relief from the material by applying counterpressure to their swollen gums. At the same time, a kid would get the same comfort by biting on a spoon or a block; wearing it as jewelry gives them immediate access rather than waiting for their parents to dig a teething ring out of the bottom of the diaper bag.
A substitute for the real thing is that infants investigate their environment with their lips long before they can walk. Anything they see gets stuffed in there, particularly as they begin chewing on objects to ease the pain of teething. This implies that they often swallow their mother’s jewelry. Teething jewelry is promoted as a safer option for mothers to wear when their children are small rather than running the danger of breaking mom’s jewelry or choking on beads.
- Sensory stimulation
Many individuals also believe that teething jewelry has a positive sensory impact on both newborns and kids with special needs. As children become more conscious of the distractions during meals, nursing babies may utilize teething jewelry to help them concentrate while eating.
Teething jewelry is often used to stop children with special needs from chewing on their clothing or other body parts. As kids with ADHD or autism become older, teething jewelry may also provide them the essential sensory stimulation. Because jewelry is worn on the body, convenience is a significant consideration. Jewelry is always with the youngster, eliminating the need to bring extra sensory things or hope that one is nearby when they’re needed.
- Does jewelry for teething help?
The quick response is no. Teething jewelry is ineffective.
There is no medical proof to support the claims made by the producers about teething jewelry. Can amber ease pain associate with teething? Although wearing amber beads may provide a kid with momentary respite, no investigations have been done to determine if this alleviation has a medical cause. There is much to be written about the benefits of sensory experiences for kids with special needs, but there are alternative methods to do this than wearing teething jewelry.
Some parents wonder if giving their kids succinic acid, which is released from amber, may be harmful. This also has a “no” response. Small quantities of succinic acid are not hazardous.
However, as we have indicated, there is just no medical evidence to support the claim that it improves kids. Many parents are also unaware that the heat generated by their child’s skin is insufficient to sufficiently release the succinic acid from the amber. The chances of getting into their body, much less relieving their pain, are thus quite remote.
Another issue with teething jewelry is that it puts babies and young children at the risk of choking and strangling. Even “safe” jewelry may still break off in a child’s mouth or become twisted in another way, leading us to our next point.
- The Dangers of Wearing Jewelry While Teething
- Choking
Although you won’t always be able to stop your curious baby’s mouth from filling with strange items, you can and should take steps to manage teething jewelry. Teething jewelry exposes your kid to needless danger since it puts a choking hazard in their path. Beads are used to make necklaces, bracelets, and anklets worn as teething jewelry. Pieces of broken jewelry or beads may easily be ingested by children and become stuck in their airways. Yes, strictly speaking, kids shouldn’t be chewing amber beads, but every parent is aware that even beads that aren’t intended to be chewed will eventually find their way into a kid’s mouth.
Tragically, teething necklaces have caused children to be strangled. The Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN revealed that a teething necklace had strangled an 18-month-old toddler while he was napping in their 2018 warning against teething jewelry. This notice also implied other incidents. So how can a short necklace strangle a baby? All it takes is for the necklace to get tangled up anywhere, mainly if a kid is left alone.
- Injuries and infections
Although teething necklaces are made to withstand a lot of abuse, there is no assurance that they won’t break. Due to repeated handling, a bead may fracture or shatter even if you buy a high-quality item. Broken teething jewelry may scrape a child’s mouth, making them vulnerable to infection and causing extra agony from having a sore in their mouth.
After reading all the above-mentioned warnings issues by Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN against teething jewelry, we hope that you will avoid it ant cost. See you in our next post.
