Gums in the mouth contain more nerve cells than most other areas of the body. When infants must endure their baby teeth cutting through their gums, they can become cranky and inconsolable. The use of teething rings eases babies' discomfort and calms their mood. Parents and officials place a premium on teething ring safety as sundry problems can occur while trying to enhance babies' comfort using teething devices.
History
No one knows exactly when humans figured out that teething rings improve babies' comfort. Historical records indicate that about 3000 years ago Sumerians used sandstone tablets to ease their babies' pain. Egyptians comforted their children using coral teething rings. In the 1600s parents used candy sticks as teething rings. The next several centuries saw gum sticks and gum rings come into use as teething rings. Bagels became popular as teething rings in Poland in the late 1600s. Rings of coral, ivory, bread crusts, silver spoons and mother of pearl came into use, but by the mid-19th century teething rings were manufactured of white, blue or black rubber. Ironically, modern manufacturing introduced significant harm to the teething process, as the white rubber teething rings contained high amounts of lead.
Modern Types
Most, but not all, modern teething rings manufactured in Western countries are nontoxic and safe when used according to instructions. Rings made of rubber, latex or silicone may be solid or filled with water. You can chill these teething rings in the fridge to enhance their soothing effect. Silver teething rings also can be chilled in the refrigerator. Teething necklaces made of stone are also available, as are rubber teething rings with embedded stones.
Recommended Types
Rubber, silicone, latex or silver teething rings without embedded objects provide cool, soothing comfort without parts that may come out and lodge in your baby's wind pipe or esophagus. Never place a necklace around your infant as there is a risk of skin irritation, choking and strangulation.
Cleaning
Clean your baby's teething ring after each use. Package labeling will describe if the ring is dishwasher-safe. Water-filled teething rings may break open when boiled.
Safety Recommendations
Never freeze liquid filled teething rings. They may break. Throw a ring away if it cracks, leaks or breaks open. Choose to use teething rings rather than biscuits or cookies to avoid the risk of choking.
Caution
Baby-Safety-Concerns website suggests that parents read labels to assure that teething rings do not contain phtalates. These are chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process to soften the teething ring. Some experts, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, have suggested that parents avoid teething products that contain phtalates as these chemical have been implicated in adverse effects in animal research studies. Many stores, including Wal-Mart, Sears, Toys R Us, K-mart and Target have committed to not sell teething products that contain phtalates.
