Teething rings are small, durable objects designed for infants to chew on, providing relief for sore gums and sensory input during teething. While an adult can place one in their mouth, experts generally discourage this practice. These products are not engineered or tested for the sustained, greater biting force of an adult jaw. This raises serious concerns about material breakdown, hygiene, and safety. The need for adult oral sensory input is valid, but the infant teething ring is an inappropriate and potentially unsafe tool.
Material Safety and Hygiene Concerns for Adults
Infant teething rings are subject to strict regulations, but those standards are based on the relatively weak chewing strength and short-term use by a baby. Adult molar bite force can range from 108 to over 380 Newtons (approximately 24 to 85 pounds of force), which is exponentially higher than an infant’s gum pressure. This difference in force means that materials safe for infants can easily be compromised by an adult, leading to cracking or the ingestion of small fragments.
Many teething rings are made from soft plastics or silicone, which may contain compounds like Bisphenol A (BPA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), or phthalates. Even “BPA-free” plastics are formulated only for infant-level wear, not robust adult chewing. Forceful chewing accelerates material degradation, potentially causing harmful chemicals to leach out or creating sharp edges.
The texture and shape of infant teethers—designed with nubs and curves to massage baby gums—create hygiene challenges for adult use. These small crevices can become difficult to sanitize effectively after repeated, heavy use, promoting bacterial growth. Liquid-filled teething rings pose a particular risk, as an adult’s bite could rupture the plastic, potentially exposing the user to contaminated internal liquid.
Why Adults Seek Oral Sensory Tools
The drive to chew or seek oral stimulation in adulthood is often a response to underlying psychological or sensory needs. Oral fixation provides a form of self-regulation, which can be effective in managing conditions like stress, anxiety, or sensory processing differences. The rhythmic input of chewing can be grounding, helping to improve focus and concentration by diverting attention from internal stressors.
Adults may also seek oral tools for issues like bruxism, which is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. Chewing on an object can offer temporary relief from jaw tension and the urge to grind, which often occurs unconsciously. For individuals with sensory needs, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), oral stimulation is a way to meet a necessary sensory input requirement.
While the need for oral input is legitimate, the infant teether is structurally unsuited for this purpose. Infant teethers are designed for gum-soothing pressure, not for mitigating the sustained force of adult jaw muscles involved in stress-related clenching or bruxism. Using a fragile, infant-grade product for adult-level relief can lead to the quick destruction of the object and potential ingestion hazards.
Regulated Alternatives Designed for Adult Use
A safer and more effective solution for adults needing oral stimulation lies in regulated products specifically engineered for adult biting strength. These alternatives are often referred to as “sensory chewelry” or “chew tools” and are distinctly different from infant products. They are typically made from medical-grade, food-safe silicone or other durable polymers that are non-porous and rigorously tested for adult-level wear and tear.
These adult-focused tools come in various shapes and toughness levels, allowing users to select a product that matches their specific chewing intensity. Options include discreet chewable necklaces, pendants, or handheld chews designed to reach back molars, where most adults naturally chew. Unlike infant rings, these products are tested for integrity under high stress, significantly reducing the risk of tearing and choking.
For those seeking relief from bruxism or jaw clenching, specialized mouth guards or night guards prescribed by a dentist offer a targeted solution. These medical devices are custom-fitted to protect the teeth and cushion the jaw joints. If an adult’s oral fixation is severe, causing pain, or related to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, consulting a healthcare professional or dentist is recommended.