What are the risks associated with teething necklaces and beads. How can parents safely soothe their teething babies. What are the FDA warnings regarding teething jewelry. What alternative teething remedies are recommended by pediatricians.

Understanding Teething Necklaces and Beads: What Parents Need to Know

Teething is a challenging phase for both babies and parents. As caregivers seek solutions to alleviate their child’s discomfort, teething necklaces and beads have gained popularity as an alternative treatment. These accessories, typically made from materials such as amber, wood, marble, or silicone, are marketed as natural pain relievers for teething infants. However, recent studies and official warnings have raised serious concerns about their safety and efficacy.

Teething necklaces and beads are often promoted with claims that they can:

• Relieve teething pain
• Provide sensory stimulation for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Stimulate the thyroid gland to control drooling
• Boost the immune system
• Reduce inflammation in various parts of the body

Despite these claims, it’s crucial for parents to understand that there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of teething necklaces or beads for any of these purposes.

FDA Warning: The Dangers of Teething Jewelry

In December 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official warning regarding teething necklaces and beads. This warning came in response to several alarming incidents, including reports of children choking on beads that had broken off and a tragic case where an 18-month-old child was strangled to death by an amber necklace during a nap.

The FDA’s warning highlights two primary risks associated with teething jewelry:

1. Choking hazard: Small beads or parts can break off and be swallowed by the child.
2. Strangulation risk: Necklaces worn around a child’s neck pose a significant strangulation danger, especially during sleep or unsupervised periods.

These risks are not limited to teething necklaces alone. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against infants wearing any form of jewelry due to these safety concerns.

The Science Behind Teething Necklaces: Separating Fact from Fiction

Many retailers of teething necklaces, particularly those made of amber, claim that when warmed by the baby’s body temperature, the amber releases a pain-relieving substance that is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. However, this claim lacks scientific backing.

Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned leader in integrative medicine, states that the use of these necklaces is not supported by modern science. The alleged benefits, including pain relief, thyroid stimulation, and immune system improvement, remain unproven.

Why are these claims problematic?

• No scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of amber or other materials in teething necklaces for pain relief.
• The idea that substances can be absorbed through the skin in significant quantities to produce systemic effects is not supported by evidence in this context.
• The claimed effects on the thyroid gland and immune system are not based on any known physiological mechanisms.

Parents should be cautious of products making unsubstantiated health claims, especially when it comes to their children’s well-being.

Safety Precautions for Parents Who Choose to Use Teething Jewelry

While healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies advise against the use of teething necklaces and beads, some parents may still choose to use them. If you decide to use these products despite the warnings, it’s crucial to follow these safety precautions:

1. Always supervise your child when they’re wearing the necklace or bracelet.
2. Consider having your child wear the necklace on a wrist or ankle instead of around the neck to reduce strangulation risk.
3. Remove the necklace or bracelet when your child is unattended, even for short periods.
4. Never allow your child to wear the necklace or bracelet while sleeping, whether for naps or nighttime sleep.
5. Regularly inspect the jewelry for signs of wear or damage.
6. Be prepared to use alternative forms of teething pain relief.
7. Consult your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns or questions about your child’s teething or overall health.

It’s important to note that these precautions do not eliminate all risks associated with teething jewelry. The safest option is to avoid their use entirely.

Safer Alternatives for Soothing Teething Pain

Fortunately, there are many safe and effective ways to soothe a teething baby without resorting to potentially dangerous jewelry. Pediatricians recommend the following alternatives:

1. Chew toys

Plastic and rubber toys designed specifically for teething can provide relief for sore gums. Look for toys with different textures and shapes to keep your baby engaged.

2. Cold items

Cold can help numb and ease aching gums. Try these safe options:

• Damp washcloths that have been twisted and frozen (tie one end in a knot for better gnawing)
• Refrigerated (not frozen) teething rings
• Chilled fruits in a mesh feeder (for babies already eating solids)

Avoid teething rings that are frozen solid, as they can be too hard for your baby’s mouth and may cause more discomfort.

3. Gentle massage

A light, gentle rub or massage can provide significant relief for many babies. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Use your clean finger or knuckle to gently massage the sore areas in your baby’s mouth
3. Apply gentle pressure to the gums
4. Be mindful of your baby’s reaction and stop if they seem uncomfortable

4. Over-the-counter pain relief

For severe teething discomfort, consult your pediatrician about using acetaminophen (Tylenol). Always follow the dosage instructions carefully and use only as recommended by your healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that numbing gels or creams containing benzocaine are not recommended for infants due to potential side effects and safety concerns.

Recognizing Teething Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Understanding the signs of teething can help parents differentiate between normal teething discomfort and other health issues. Common teething symptoms include:

• Increased drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Mild irritability or fussiness
• Slight increase in body temperature (but not a fever)
• Desire to chew on solid objects
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

While these symptoms are generally manageable at home, there are instances when you should consult your pediatrician:

1. If your baby develops a fever (temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C)
2. If teething seems to be causing severe pain or distress
3. If you notice signs of infection in the gums, such as excessive swelling or redness
4. If your baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period
5. If teething symptoms persist for an unusually long time without the appearance of teeth

Remember, every baby experiences teething differently, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience and a willingness to try different safe methods are key to finding the best solution for your teething baby.

The Importance of Dental Hygiene During Teething

As your baby’s first teeth emerge, it’s crucial to establish good oral hygiene habits early. Here are some tips to maintain your baby’s dental health during the teething phase:

• Start cleaning your baby’s gums before teeth appear using a soft, damp cloth or infant toothbrush
• Once teeth emerge, brush them twice daily with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as this can lead to tooth decay
• Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing
• Be mindful of your baby’s sugar intake, including natural sugars in fruits and juices

Maintaining good oral hygiene from an early age sets the foundation for lifelong dental health and can help minimize discomfort during the teething process.

Reporting Adverse Events and Staying Informed

If you encounter any adverse events related to teething jewelry or other teething products, it’s important to report them to the FDA’s MedWatch program. This helps regulatory bodies collect data and take appropriate action to protect consumer safety.

To stay informed about product recalls and safety information, regularly visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. They provide up-to-date information on various children’s products, including teething-related items.

Remember, while the teething phase can be challenging, it’s temporary. By prioritizing safety and using evidence-based methods to soothe your baby, you can help make the teething process more comfortable for your little one while ensuring their well-being.

Teething Necklaces and Beads: A Caution for Parents

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Ages & Stages

Ages & Stages

​​​​​When parents see their baby suffering, they just want a solution. Teething necklaces and beads have become an increasing popular alternative treatment to ease
teething pain.
But, are they effective and safe? The answer is no.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an

official warning in December 2018 after recieving reports of children choking on beads that break off and an 18-month-old being strangled to death by an amber necklace during a nap.

Why These Teething Necklaces and Beads are Choking and Strangulation Hazards:

“The risk is two-fold — strangulation and
choking,” said pediatrician Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP. It occurs when the necklaces are worn around a child’s neck, especially when unsupervised (such as while sleeping) or if the child were to break the necklace and swallow the beads. However, those risks are not only for these teething necklaces.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend that infants wear any jewelry. Suffocation is the leading cause of death for children under a year old and among the top five causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.

Parents who choose to use these necklaces are advised to:

• Always supervise your child when he or she is wearing the necklace or bracelet.

• Have your child wear the necklace on a wrist or ankle and not around his or her neck.

• Remember to remove the necklace or bracelet when your child is unattended, even if it is only for a short period of time!

• Remove the necklace or bracelet while your child is sleeping (day or night).

• Consider using alternate forms of teething pain relief (see suggestions below).

• Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns or questions about your child’s health.

Safer Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby:

There are many teething-pain relievers that can soothe your baby’s sore gums safely. Here are a few worth trying:

• 
  Chew toys. Plastic and rubber toys are great for soothing aching gums.

• 
  Cold things. For help numbing and easing the ache and inflammation, try using damp washcloths that have been twisted and frozen (tie one end in a knot for better gnawing). Avoid teething rings that are frozen solid; they are too hard for children’s mouths.

• 
  Massage.  A light, gentle rub or massage might give your little one a lot of relief. Remember to wash your hands, then massage the sore areas in your baby’s mouth with your finger or knuckle.

• 
  Medicine. When your baby is having a really tough time, ask your pediatrician about giving a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  Note: Numbing gels or creams that contain benzocaine are not recommended for infants.

Additional Information:

• 
  Baby Teething Pain

• 
  Baby’s First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know

• 
  Teething: 4 to 7 Months

• 
  How to Help Teething Symptoms without Medications

• 
  Prevention of Choking Among Children (AAP Policy Statement)

• To review recalls and safety information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) website.  ​

​​

​​​

Last Updated

12/20/2018

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2018)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Fluoride for Children: FAQs – HealthyChildren.org

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Healthy Living

Healthy Living

​Fluoride from drinking
water and other sources like toothpaste and mouth rinse can help prevent
tooth decay (dental caries for cavities) and make your child’s teeth stronger.

Here are some common questions parents ask about how fluoride helps protect children’s oral health.

Q: Why do children need fluoride?​

A: Fluoride is a natural mineral that can slow or stop cavities from forming. Bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars and make acid that can harm the outer layer of the tooth (enamel). Fluoride protects teeth from damage and helps rebuild the enamel. Many communities have added fluoride to the tap water to help fight cavities. Children should drink plenty of water and brush with toothpaste that has fluoride in it.

Q: Is fluoridated water safe for my children?

A: Yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree that
water fluoridation is safe and works to
prevent tooth decay. Community water fluoridation has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 25%.

Q: When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?

A: The AAP recommends using a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste twice a day when the first tooth appears and until age 3. Once your child has turned 3, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used.

Q: What if we live in a community where the water is not fluoridated? What can we do?

A: Check with your local water utility agency to
find out if your water has fluoride in it. If it doesn’t or you have well water, ask your pediatrician or dentist if your child is at high risk for cavities. The doctor may recommend you buy fluoridated water or give you a prescription for fluoride drops or tablets for your child.

Q: Should my child get fluoride varnish?

A: Yes.
Fluoride varnish is used to help prevent or slow down tooth decay. Your pediatrician will apply the varnish starting when your baby is 6 months old at
well-child visits. It is painted on the top and sides of each tooth and hardens quickly. Then, it is brushed off after 4 to 12 hours. It is recommended that children have varnish applied 2 to 4 times per year until they are 5 years old.

Q: What should I know about fluoride if I am breastfeeding or using infant formula?

A: When they are younger than 6 months old,
breastfed babies and babies fed infant formula do not need fluoride supplements or formula mixed with water than is fluoridated. It is safe to use fluoridated water to
mix the formula if your baby is younger than 6 months old, but there is a small risk of “fluorosis.” (See more details, below.) Ask your pediatrician or
dentist if you need more advice.

If you prefer not to use fluoridated water with formula before your baby’s first tooth emerges, you can:

Q: What is dental fluorosis, and will fluoridated water mixed with infant formula increase the risk?

A: Fluorosis usually appears as very faint white streaks on the teeth. Often it is only noticeable by a dental expert during an exam. Mild fluorosis is not painful and does not affect the function or health of the teeth.

Although using fluoridated water to prepare infant formula might increase the risk of dental fluorosis, most cases are mild.

Once your child’s adult teeth come in (usually around age 8), the risk of developing fluorosis is over.

More Information

• 
  Good Oral Health Starts Early​
• 
  Fluoride a Powerful Tooth to Prevent Tooth Decay​

Last Updated

11/30/2020

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2020)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Graph of teething in children, signs of teething in infants

The birth of the first child is associated with a lot of unknown for young parents, so many new things await them ahead. Of course, parents are worried about the baby growing and developing properly. Gradually, the baby goes through important stages: he begins to smile, roll over from his back to his side, sleep without waking up all night. Another significant event that parents are looking forward to is the appearance of the first tooth. Parents are concerned about the question: “When do children start teething?”

Signs appearance teeth

You will notice this by the behavior and condition of the child. When teething, the child pulls everything into his mouth to scratch his gums. His salivation increases, his appetite worsens, and his gums swell. The baby is naughty and sleeps restlessly.

If your child has a fever and/or diarrhoea, you should make an appointment with the pediatrician. These symptoms cannot be attributed to mild malaise during teething. Remember that the child’s immunity is just beginning to develop at this age. Babies put all toys and objects, clean or dirty, into their mouths, so they are at risk of contracting bacteria and viruses.

How to help baby relieve pain

Pediatric dentists have developed a number of tips and tricks to help relieve pain and discomfort in babies. Current medicine does not recommend applying topical anesthetic gels and liquids to the gums due to the risk of toxicity in children 2 years of age and younger. Another outdated remedy recognized as harmful to the teeth is to dip the nipple in sugar or honey.

Don’t worry, there are many simple and harmless ways to make your child’s life easier. Try giving him a clean, durable teether or a chilled nipple. Store spare teethers in the freezer so you always have them on hand. Cold foods, such as ice cream and frozen fruit, are good for helping to combat unpleasant symptoms if the child can already eat them. Gently massaging your gums will help relieve the pain. If the pain is severe, see your pediatrician who can recommend an over-the-counter medicine for babies. Be careful and notice which way works best for the child.

Schedule eruption teeth

Noticing increased salivation, parents immediately begin to look for the first tooth in the child’s mouth. The two central incisors of the bottom row appear first when the baby is about 6 months old. However, no two children are the same; The first tooth may appear at 5 months or at 12 months. So, the correct answer to the question “when children start teething” is: “any time they want.”

After the first teeth appear, on schedule or off schedule, you are wondering when to expect the next ones. The top two central teeth erupt at about age 9up to 13 months. Between the ages of 13 and 16 months, many babies have four front teeth at the bottom and four at the top. The remaining milk teeth, lateral incisors and molars, should erupt by the age of 2 to 3 years. It’s a long process, but when it’s over, the baby will have 20 milk teeth!

Important Role Baby Teeth

Some parents feel that baby teeth are not very important because they will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth. However, that is why it is necessary to take care of baby teeth! They not only make the baby’s smile beautiful, they help him learn to speak and chew food. These 20 teeth form the necessary space for the development, growth and proper positioning of the permanent teeth.

The importance of taking care of your baby’s teeth and gums right from the start of teething cannot be overemphasized. Specialists of the Russian Medical Server consider oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist to be the best methods for preventing dental diseases. The last baby tooth will fall out in a child’s early teens, around age 12. Be patient and surround your child with care so that this difficult period passes safely.

Timing of teething – Article

Author:

Marbery Gedrean
| Checked by: Shteba Victoria Petrovna

| Last revised: October 18, 2020.

Most parents are very concerned about how teething (and gums) affects their babies in everyday life. Although we cannot fully predict exactly how each baby will react to their first tooth. However, we can learn about teething symptoms and how to soothe your baby during this difficult time. In general, the more we know about teething, the better we can help our babies get through it. Let’s figure it out.

Timing of teething

One of the most common questions parents ask is, “How long does it take for babies to teeth?”. It is useful to know both the time frame for the appearance of the first tooth and the time frame in which all teeth erupt. In general, teething is an ongoing process that occurs between the ages of 6 and 24 months. Although your baby has twenty milk teeth that will appear within two years, teething, fortunately, only causes pain and irritation at the time when the tooth is about to break through the gum. It is not known exactly how long it will take for a tooth to fully erupt, but on average experts say it can erupt within 1-7 days per tooth. However, teething symptoms usually only last a couple of days, so if a baby experiences discomfort for an extended period of time, it’s safe to assume it’s not teething.

Chronology of teething

In most babies, the first teeth are erupted at the age of 6 to 7 months, but this can happen earlier or later. Generally, your baby’s teeth are most likely to appear in the following timelines:

6-7 months

During this time, the first teeth begin to erupt. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors, which are the two middle teeth at the bottom. Children at this age become more active. They begin to grab and pull objects towards them, transfer objects from one hand to the other, and may even begin to crawl. It’s important to keep an eye on small objects within your baby’s reach, as he’ll want to put everything in his mouth during teething!

8 to 13 months

Between 8 and 12 months your baby will have upper central incisors. In addition, sometime between 9 and 13 months they will have upper and lower teeth next to their upper central incisors (these are called lower and upper lateral incisors). In addition to teething, it is important to understand that other important milestones in gross motor development are also achieved during this developmental window. Most babies are able to sit up, stand up unassisted, take their first steps, pick up and throw objects, roll a ball, and grasp objects.

13 to 20 months

Typically, between 13 and 16 months of age, your baby’s first molars come in at about the same time. Shortly thereafter, their fangs will appear in both the top and bottom rows, between about 16 and 20 months.

From 20 to 30 months

At the final stage of teething, the back teeth or second molars appear in the bottom row of the baby. While most teething symptoms appear the same in both toddlers and babies, there are some differences as your baby grows older. First of all, your baby can now tell you about their discomfort and pain, unlike non-verbal babies. On the other hand, many toddlers will not show any signs of discomfort and will not complain of pain at all during the passage of molars. For other babies, the pain can be significantly worse because their first molars are larger than their other molars. They may even complain of a headache or jaw pain!

Toys that can help

Teethers are teething toys that help to greatly relieve the symptoms of teething in children, while keeping them occupied during play. Because teething babies are always looking for something they can chew on, teething toys are specifically designed to soothe gums and temporarily ease teething.

“6 months? But my 3 month old is teething right now!”

Some babies start teething early at 6 months – and usually it’s a little thing you don’t have to worry about!

Many babies begin to drool more often and explore their world by bringing their hand to their mouth to chew at about 3-4 months. This is completely normal and is often accompanied by teething after some time.

If you suspect that your little bundle of joy, which can be much less joyful during gum pain attacks, is teething, look for symptoms such as:

• drooling, the surest sign;
• capriciousness – unfortunately, also a frequent indicator of common childhood worries;
• slight temperature increase approx. 37.2 – 38 ° C.

The bottom two teeth usually show up first, so keep an eye on this area and be prepared to be over-the-top when they show up.

When your child has their first teeth, you can use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.