Amber Teething Necklaces: Do They Work? A Dentist's Honest Answer

By Dr Jack Brazel BChD · Reviewed by Dr John Krezel, Specialist Prosthodontist

Amber teething necklaces are one of the most debated products in the baby care world. You will find parents who swear by them and medical professionals who advise strongly against them. The gap between these two positions is where confusion lives, and it is worth examining the evidence clearly.

I am Jack, one of the practising UK dentists behind MamaSmiles. I have no commercial interest in whether amber necklaces exist or not, so I can give you a straight assessment of what the science says and what the safety picture looks like.

What is the theory behind amber teething necklaces?

The claimed mechanism is that Baltic amber contains succinic acid, and that body heat causes this succinic acid to be released from the beads and absorbed through the baby's skin. Once absorbed, it is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce teething discomfort.

This theory has three components, and each one needs to hold for the necklace to work as described: the amber must contain meaningful levels of succinic acid, body heat must be sufficient to release it, and the skin must absorb it in quantities that produce a physiological effect.

What does the scientific evidence say?

The evidence does not support the claimed mechanism. Here is what research has found at each step.

Succinic acid content. Baltic amber does contain succinic acid, typically at 3 to 8% by weight. However, the acid is locked within the solid amber matrix. A 2019 study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that the amount of succinic acid released from amber beads under conditions simulating skin contact was negligible.

Release through body heat. Amber has a melting point of approximately 250 to 300°C. Normal skin temperature (around 32 to 34°C) is nowhere near sufficient to cause the amber to release embedded compounds in meaningful quantities. The beads do warm slightly against the skin, but not enough to alter their chemical structure.

Transdermal absorption. Even if succinic acid were released, the skin is designed as a barrier. Transdermal absorption of a compound from a solid bead necklace would require the substance to be in a form the skin can absorb (typically dissolved in a carrier), at a concentration high enough to produce a systemic effect. There is no evidence this occurs with amber necklaces.

No randomised controlled trial has demonstrated that amber teething necklaces produce effects beyond placebo. The perceived benefit reported by some parents is likely a combination of coincidental timing (teething discomfort naturally comes and goes) and confirmation bias (expecting the necklace to work makes you more likely to notice improvements).

What do the NHS and medical bodies say?

The position of healthcare organisations is clear and consistent.

The NHS advises against amber teething necklaces, citing both the lack of evidence for effectiveness and the choking and strangulation risks.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against the use of any jewellery on infants, including amber teething necklaces, due to safety concerns.

The Canadian Paediatric Society and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have issued similar warnings.

Multiple coroners' reports internationally have linked infant deaths to teething necklace strangulation or bead aspiration. These are rare events, but they are entirely preventable.

What are the specific safety risks?

The safety concerns are practical and serious, regardless of whether you believe the necklace works.

Strangulation. A necklace around an infant's neck poses a strangulation risk, particularly during sleep or unsupervised play. Even necklaces with breakaway clasps may not release quickly enough in every situation.

Choking. If the string breaks, individual beads become a choking hazard. Some necklaces are marketed as individually knotted between beads to prevent multiple beads scattering, but a single bead is still a choking risk for a baby.

Aspiration. If a bead is inhaled rather than swallowed, it can lodge in the airway. This is a medical emergency.

Skin irritation. Constant contact with beads can cause skin irritation, redness, or rash around the neck, particularly in warm weather or during active play.

Why do so many parents believe they work?

This is a fair question, and the answer is not that those parents are wrong about what they observed. Several factors explain why the necklaces appear to work.

Natural fluctuation. Teething discomfort comes in waves. It peaks before a tooth breaks through and then subsides. If you put a necklace on during a peak, the natural improvement that follows can easily be attributed to the necklace.

Confirmation bias. When you have bought something and want it to work, you notice the moments that confirm your expectation and downplay the ones that do not.

The comfort of taking action. Doing something when your baby is uncomfortable feels better than doing nothing. The necklace provides a sense of control, which has genuine psychological value for the parent even if the necklace itself is inert.

Community reinforcement. When friends and family report positive experiences, social proof strengthens the belief. This is powerful and understandable, but it is not evidence of a pharmacological mechanism.

What should you use instead?

The good news is that there are safe, evidence-supported approaches to teething that do not carry choking or strangulation risks.

Gentle gum massage. Using a clean finger to apply light pressure to the gums is one of the most effective approaches. Pressure counteracts the sensation of a tooth pushing through.

Cool teething rings. Chilled (not frozen) teething rings provide comfort through temperature and give your baby something safe to chew on.

Teething gels with gentle ingredients. Products like MamaSmiles Teething Gel combine the massage action with ingredients like hydroxyapatite, aloe vera, chamomile, and curcumin that support gum tissue and emerging enamel.

Extra comfort and routine. Maintaining calm, consistent routines and offering extra cuddles during teething peaks helps more than many parents realise.

For a broader comparison of teething products and the evidence behind each, see our guide to the truth about teething remedies.

The bottom line

Amber teething necklaces are not supported by scientific evidence and carry real safety risks. If they appear to work, the explanation is much more likely to be natural fluctuation and expectation effects than succinic acid absorption through the skin. When safe, effective alternatives exist, the risk-benefit calculation does not favour putting a necklace around a baby's neck.