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Do amber necklaces work for teething?

No, amber teething necklaces do not have proven pain-relieving effects, and pediatric groups warn they carry serious choking and strangulation risks.

Lab testing found the beads do not release succinic acid onto skin in a way that could work as claimed.

Strength of evidence

Good

Based on consistent pediatric guideline statements (AAP, CPS) plus laboratory/mechanistic research and case reports; there are no clinical trials proving pain relief, but the safety concerns are well documented.

What the evidence says

There's no good evidence that amber necklaces relieve teething pain. A laboratory study that tested real amber beads found no evidence that succinic acid (the ingredient claimed to work) could leach out into a baby's skin, and even if it did, researchers found no evidence it has anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving properties.

More importantly, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society advise against using these necklaces at all because of safety risks, not just lack of benefit. Case reports describe infants strangled or nearly strangled by these necklaces, especially during sleep, and beads can break off and cause choking.

For teething discomfort, pediatric groups suggest gum massage or a firm rubber teething ring (not frozen) instead. If you're already using one, remove it during sleep and any unsupervised time, though the safest option is to avoid it altogether.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked July 26, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

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