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Amber Necklaces and Teething

Baby teeth usually start to come in around 4-6 months.
Baby teeth usually start to come in around 4-6 months. However there is a wide range of normal, and some do not come in until after 12 months. Common symptoms of teething are:
  1. Drooling
  2. Drooling
  3. Drooling
  4. Red bumpy rash around the chin
  5. Fussiness, crying, trouble sleeping
Sellers of amber teething necklaces claim they help with teething pain. The Baltic amber contains succinic acid, thought to provide some medicinal benefits when it is warmed by the skin and absorbed. However, there is no research that shows any benefit of these necklaces. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends NOT using them due to risk of strangulation. Other ways to treat teething pain include:
  • Chew toys
  • Cold things
  • Massage
  • Tylenol®
  • Numbing gel for gums is no longer recommended
Temperatures can elevate during teething, but temperatures above 100.4º F are not due to teething. Keep the normal bedtime routine, and let your doctor's office know if you have questions or concerns.

More Articles from Healthy Children (The AAP Parenting Website): - Jennifer Isham, MD, FAAP
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