Teething Rings: Are They Safe?

Do you have a teething young infant? In trying to find ways to help soothe your child’s discomfort have you landed on teething rings? While some of them have been used for years, and can be great at soothing an uncomfortable child, teething rings may not be safe if they are not used in a certain manner.

Here are some tips that may help ensure your child’s safety:

-Do not freeze the teething rings: Although many people may have done this, and cool objects could relieve discomfort, freezing the rings shouldn’t be the answer. Frozen rings can become very firm and could actually injure your child’s gums. In addition, exposing your child to the extreme cold might cause frostbite. Instead, you can put the ring into your fridge, and you may still get a cold but unfrozen ring.

-Avoid harmful chemicals and liquid-filled teething rings: Seems fairly obvious, right? Some teething rings may contain chemicals like phthalates that could potentially leach out over time. Along the same lines, some liquid-filled teething rings have been recalled in the past because they may have been contaminated by bacteria. Your child’s repeated chewing may cause it to rupture and the liquid could be inadvertently consumed. Drs. Hunter and Coe may suggest that you use a teething ring made from firm rubber with no small parts that could become a choking hazard.

If you are near Allen, Texas, and want more information about teething, we invite you to call Allen Pediatric Dentistry at 972-535-8169. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental health!