Amber Teething Necklaces: Safety Risks and Evidence
Content reviewed against published FDA, AAP, NIH guidelines
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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect amber teething necklaces: safety risks and evidence, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
The FDA, AAP, and CPSC all warn against amber teething necklaces and bracelets due to serious safety risks including strangulation, choking, and aspiration. In 2018, the FDA issued a formal safety communication after receiving reports of an infant death and a near-strangulation associated with teething jewelry. The claimed mechanism — that body heat releases succinic acid from Baltic amber, which is then absorbed through the skin to relieve pain — has no scientific support. A 2019 study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that the amount of succinic acid in amber is insufficient to produce any analgesic effect, and skin absorption at body temperature is negligible. Despite these warnings, amber teething necklaces remain widely sold online. Safe, evidence-based alternatives for teething pain include: chilled (not frozen) teething rings, clean wet washcloth to chew on, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and pediatrician-approved acetaminophen or ibuprofen (over 6 months) for significant discomfort.
Key takeaways
- The FDA, AAP, and CPSC all warn against amber teething necklaces and bracelets due to serious safety risks including strangulation, choking, and aspiration. In 2018, the FDA issued a formal safety communication after receiving reports of an infant death and a near-strangulation associated with teething jewelry. The claimed mechanism — that body heat releases succinic acid from Baltic amber, which is then absorbed through the skin to relieve pain — has no scientific support. A 2019 study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that the amount of succinic acid in amber is insufficient to produce any analgesic effect, and skin absorption at body temperature is negligible. Despite these warnings, amber teething necklaces remain widely sold online. Safe, evidence-based alternatives for teething pain include: chilled (not frozen) teething rings, clean wet washcloth to chew on, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and pediatrician-approved acetaminophen or ibuprofen (over 6 months) for significant discomfort.
- Usually normal when: Your baby fussing, drooling, and chewing on things during teething — this is expected
- Call your doctor if: Your baby is choking on a bead or small piece from any teething product
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
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When to Seek Immediate Care
- Your baby is choking on a bead or small piece from any teething product
- You find marks or indentations on your baby's neck from a necklace
- Your baby has had a teething gel containing benzocaine and develops pale or blue-grey skin, shortness of breath, or rapid heart rate — this is a sign of methemoglobinemia and requires emergency care
By Age
What to expect by age
3-6 months
Teething commonly begins around 4-6 months, though it can start earlier. This is when parents first consider teething remedies. Amber necklaces are often given to young infants who cannot remove them, creating a constant strangulation risk. The AAP recommends against any necklace, bracelet, or anklet on infants. At this age, a chilled teething ring or clean wet washcloth is the safest option. Teething gels containing benzocaine (like Orajel) are also FDA-warned against for children under 2 due to the risk of methemoglobinemia.
6-12 months
As more teeth emerge, teething discomfort may increase. Babies in this age range are more mobile and may catch the necklace on crib rails, furniture, or during play — increasing strangulation risk. If your baby is wearing an amber necklace, the FDA recommends removing it immediately. Safe alternatives at this age include silicone teething toys, frozen fruit in a mesh feeder (for babies eating solids), and infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by your pediatrician.
12-24 months
Toddlers who wear amber necklaces may break them, creating a choking hazard from individual beads. Even "breakaway" clasps do not eliminate the risk, as the beads themselves are small enough to be aspirated. If you have been using an amber necklace and want to stop, there is no withdrawal effect to worry about — any perceived benefit was likely coincidental timing with natural teething cycles. The most intense teething period (first molars at 13-19 months) can be managed with cold foods, chewing toys, and pain medication as needed.
All ages
If family members or friends gift amber teething jewelry, you can politely decline or accept and not use it. Many parents feel pressured by well-meaning relatives who "used them without any problems." The fact that a product didn't cause harm in one instance does not make it safe — the risks are rare but catastrophic (death or brain injury from strangulation or choking). The AAP position is clear: no teething necklaces, bracelets, or anklets of any material for any child.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby fussing, drooling, and chewing on things during teething — this is expected
- Teething pain coming and going in waves over days to weeks as teeth move through the gums
- Your baby being irritable but still eating, sleeping, and functioning overall during teething
- Choosing not to use amber necklaces — this is the medically recommended approach
- Your baby has significant teething pain that interferes with feeding or sleep and you need guidance on safe pain management
- You are unsure about the safety of other teething products (homeopathic tablets, clove oil, etc.)
- Your baby has symptoms you attribute to teething but that seem severe (high fever over 101°F, diarrhea, rash)
- Your baby is choking on a bead or small piece from any teething product
- You find marks or indentations on your baby's neck from a necklace
- Your baby has had a teething gel containing benzocaine and develops pale or blue-grey skin, shortness of breath, or rapid heart rate — this is a sign of methemoglobinemia and requires emergency care
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Amber Teething Necklaces: Safety Risks and Evidence.
Things to mention
- Your baby has significant teething pain that interferes with feeding or sleep and you need guidance on safe pain management
- You are unsure about the safety of other teething products (homeopathic tablets, clove oil, etc.)
- Your baby has symptoms you attribute to teething but that seem severe (high fever over 101°F, diarrhea, rash)
Observations to share
- Your baby has significant teething pain that interferes with feeding or sleep and you need guidance on safe pain management
- You are unsure about the safety of other teething products (homeopathic tablets, clove oil, etc.)
- Your baby has symptoms you attribute to teething but that seem severe (high fever over 101°F, diarrhea, rash)
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby is choking on a bead or small piece from any teething product
- You find marks or indentations on your baby's neck from a necklace
- Your baby has had a teething gel containing benzocaine and develops pale or blue-grey skin, shortness of breath, or rapid heart rate — this is a sign of methemoglobinemia and requires emergency care
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Conditions
Teething Order and Timeline
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though the normal range is 4 to 15 months. The typical order begins with the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally second molars. All 20 primary teeth are usually in by age 2.5 to 3 years. Significant variation in timing is normal.
Does Teething Really Cause Fever?
Research shows that teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but it does NOT cause true fever (temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F / 38 degrees C). A large systematic review of studies found that teething may cause temperatures up to about 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), along with drooling, gum irritation, and fussiness. If your baby has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher, they likely have an illness that coincidentally timed with teething, and the fever should be evaluated by your pediatrician rather than dismissed as "just teething."
Safe Teething Pain Relief Methods
Safe teething pain relief includes chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (ibuprofen only for babies 6 months and older). The FDA warns against using benzocaine gels, homeopathic teething tablets, and lidocaine products for infants. Amber teething necklaces are a choking and strangulation hazard and have no proven benefit.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
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Is amber teething necklaces: safety risks and evidence normal at 3-6 months?
Is amber teething necklaces: safety risks and evidence normal at 6-12 months?
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Does amber teething necklaces: safety risks and evidence go away on its own?
References
- [1]U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Warns Against Teething Necklaces, Bracelets. Safety Communication, 2018. FDA
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Teething Necklaces and Beads: A Caution for Parents. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [3]National Library of Medicine. Teething in Infants: A Review. BMC Oral Health. NIH
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Bottom line
Most cases of amber teething necklaces: safety risks and evidence are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is choking on a bead or small piece from any teething product.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Medical Concerns
Teething Order and Timeline
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though the normal range is 4 to 15 months. The typical order begins with the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally second molars. All 20 primary teeth are usually in by age 2.5 to 3 years. Significant variation in timing is normal.
Does Teething Really Cause Fever?
Research shows that teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but it does NOT cause true fever (temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F / 38 degrees C). A large systematic review of studies found that teething may cause temperatures up to about 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), along with drooling, gum irritation, and fussiness. If your baby has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher, they likely have an illness that coincidentally timed with teething, and the fever should be evaluated by your pediatrician rather than dismissed as "just teething."
Safe Teething Pain Relief Methods
Safe teething pain relief includes chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (ibuprofen only for babies 6 months and older). The FDA warns against using benzocaine gels, homeopathic teething tablets, and lidocaine products for infants. Amber teething necklaces are a choking and strangulation hazard and have no proven benefit.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.