Although we don’t remember the pain of teething as children and infants, our parents certainly do. If you’re a parent yourself, you know the symptoms: tears, fussiness and unhappy, uncomfortable babies. Teething isn’t a fun process for anyone. It’s natural to want to make the process as painless as possible. Many people turn to teething jewelry to ease teething pain, but that’s a mistake. Here’s what you need to know to protect your little ones.

1. Teething jewelry can be a choking and/or suffocation hazard. Teething jewelry is comprised of a loop of beads and can come in many different shapes and size. The beads are usually made of amber, wood, marble or silicone. The problem occurs when the jewelry breaks and pieces or beads and block a child’s throat or airway. In some cases, this has resulted in death from strangulation.
2. There are other ways to ease teething and gum pain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends easing teething pain by gently rubbing the baby’s gums with your finger or giving the child a teething ring made of firm rubber. The rubber option is unlikely to break like the jewelry with beads. One thing you will want to avoid is using creams or ointments on children under two years of age, as they can have life-threatening side effects.
3. Talk to your dentist about other ways to reduce teething pain. Your dentist has seen it all before and will have the best advice on how to deal with this issue while keeping your baby safe. It’s also a good idea to bring your child in to see the dentist as early as possible, to get everyone comfortable with these visits from the get-go. Child tooth decay is a serious issue. Early trips to the dentist are the best way to stop this potential issue before it starts.

Over all, regular dental checkups and cleanings are the best way to supplement good dental habits. They’re important for the whole family. To find out the latest and best information about your family’s specific needs, talk to your dentist. A professional can help you determine what procedures to schedule and how to maintain good oral health outside the office.