The Food and Drug Administration has issued a safety alert warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of teething jewelry, saying the use could lead to strangulation, choking, serious injuries, or death.

“The risks of using teething jewelry include choking, strangulation, injury to the mouth, and infection. Choking may occur if the jewelry breaks and small beads or the whole piece of jewelry enter the child’s throat or airway,” according to an alert released today by the FDA.

The FDA advises parents and caregivers of infants with teething pain not to wear teething necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry.

The alert also asks and parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities such as those with special needs, such as autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder not to used necklaces and bracelets to provide sensory stimulation or redirect chewing.

Officials say teething rings or teethers are not the same as jewelry marketed for teething pain.

Teething rings or teethers, which are made of hard plastic or rubber, are not worn by an adult or child, the FDA said. 

“The safety and effectiveness of teething jewelry to treat teething pain and/or provide sensory stimulation have not been established,” according to the FDA.

For more information about the alert, click here.

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