Baltic amber is fossilized tree resin that is marketed as a natural remedy for infant teething discomfort. These amber pieces are polished and strung into necklaces or bracelets intended to be worn next to the baby’s skin. Parents often turn to these accessories seeking a non-pharmaceutical option to soothe the pain, fussiness, and inflammation associated with a baby’s erupting teeth.
The Claimed Mechanism of Action
Proponents of amber teething jewelry claim that its effectiveness relies on a specific chemical process involving body heat and a compound within the resin. The theory suggests that when the amber beads make contact with the wearer’s skin, the baby’s body temperature gently warms the fossilized material. This warming is supposedly sufficient to cause the release of minuscule amounts of a substance called succinic acid.
Succinic acid is a naturally occurring compound found within the amber. Once released from the beads, the acid is then supposedly absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Retailers claim that once absorbed, the succinic acid acts as a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Scientific Review of Effectiveness
The theoretical mechanism suggesting that succinic acid is absorbed through the skin to provide pain relief is not supported by scientific evidence. Studies have shown that for succinic acid to be released from Baltic amber, the resin must be heated to extremely high temperatures, approaching 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). The average temperature of a baby’s skin is nowhere near this level, meaning no significant amount of the acid is likely to be released.
Furthermore, even if a small amount of succinic acid were released, there is no credible data to demonstrate that it can be absorbed through the skin in a way that provides a therapeutic effect. Scientific investigation has not established that externally applied succinic acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties when tested against inflammatory markers in a laboratory setting. This lack of a plausible biological mechanism means the perceived relief is likely a placebo effect.
Serious Safety Hazards
The most significant concern regarding amber teething necklaces is the serious physical danger they pose to infants. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advise against using any jewelry on babies due to the risk of injury.
The primary danger is strangulation, which can occur if the necklace catches on an object, such as a crib rail, or is wrapped too tightly around the child’s neck. A further hazard is choking, which can happen if the necklace or bracelet breaks and the small amber beads are swallowed or inhaled. Cases of serious injury and death have been reported, including strangulation when an infant fell asleep while wearing a necklace. For these reasons, all beaded teething jewelry should be avoided entirely.
Medically Recommended Teething Solutions
Parents seeking to soothe their baby’s sore gums should rely on proven, safe methods recommended by pediatricians. Gentle massage of the gums with a clean finger or a piece of wet gauze can provide a simple form of relief. Chilling certain items offers another effective, non-medicinal option for numbing the area.
A chilled teething ring or a clean washcloth that has been dampened and cooled in the refrigerator can be offered to the baby to chew on. Caregivers should avoid freezing items solid, as this can be too harsh for the baby’s sensitive gums. For severe pain, over-the-counter pain relievers such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used, provided they are given according to a doctor’s recommendation and the correct dosage for the child’s age.