Silver Springs, MD. – The U.S. Food & Drug Administration on Dec 20 issued a warning against the use of jewelry that is marketed to relieve an infant’s teething pain.

“The FDA has received reports of death and serious injuries to infants and children, including strangulation and choking, caused by necklaces and bracelets often marketed for relieving teething pain,” according to FDA notice.

The DFA warns that parents and other caregivers may use these products to help relieve teething pain or to provide sensory stimulation in people with special needs. Teething jewelry, according to the FDA, is made with various materials, including amber, wood, marble, or silicone.

However, the risks of using teething jewelry including choking, strangulation, injuries to the mouth, and infection, the FDA said in a news release. In addition, choking may occur if the jewelry breaks and small beads or the whole piece of jewelry enter the child’s airway. According to the FDA, it received a report of a 7-month old child who died after getting strangled by his amber teething necklace during a nap.

The FDA recommends that dentists and health care providers talk to parents or caregivers about safe ways to reduce teething pain, including the benefits and risks of available treatment options. The FDA also recommends discouraging the use of teething jewelry for relieving teething pain and for providing sensory stimulation to people with special needs. The ADA offers teething relief advice on MouthHealthy.org, the Association’s consumer website.