4 Reasons why teething jewellery (Tlismi Moti) is a terrible idea for your baby !!

Is your baby teething?? Why don’t you get your baby a Tlismi Moti (tilasmi moti)??

A prevalent and well-known notion among parents is that Tlismi Moti, or amber teething necklaces, are not something you would want your child to use after reading the following reasons.

When your child is in pain, your mind races through all the possible ways to make it stop. And when you hear big words like ‘this is ancient and ancestral,’ or ‘this is natural and will boost your child’s immunity,’ you might be tempted to use them without thinking twice.

But the best thing to do nowadays is to explore it in detail first, rather than just listening to some neighbourhood aunty and doing the same for your child.

FDA in December 2018, recommended against the use of any kind of teething jewellery for kids, adults, or even people with special needs. They mentioned in their study that they have even received reports of death and serious injuries to infants and children, including strangulation and choking, caused by teething jewellery, such as amber teething necklaces.

What is teething jewellery??

Teething jewellery can be anything from a necklace, anklet or bracelet which is worn by the baby or the adult, and is claimed to soothe the teething pain. It can be made of wood, amber, marble or silicone.

The most common teething jewellery available and used by parents in India is the Tlismi Moti. The Tlismi Moti is claimed to have been used since ancient times and has a combination of 5 metals in exact proportion. It is believed to be a natural harmoniser of energies around the oral cavity, thus relieving the teething pain.

Related: Baby Developmental milestones 0-12 months

How does Tlismi Moti or Teething Jewellery work??

There are amber teething necklaces available in the market, which are made up of Baltic amber, which is obtained from the fossilised tree resins. They are converted into beads and are worn around the child’s neck. It contains some percentage of succinic acid, which is thought to relieve teething pain. But there is no scientific evidence claiming the same.

But is that true??

Does the tlismi Moti or teething jewellery work, or is it even safe??

There are so many misconceptions among parents when we talk about teething. Since the tlismi Moti or teething jewellery has been introduced since ancient times, it is still thought of as the best method to relieve the pain. But does it help? Or does it impose some kind of risk?

Here are a few reasons you should avoid using the tlismi moti or teething jewellery for your child.

Strangulation Hazard

Anything worn around the baby’s neck is not safe. The teething necklaces, when worn around the neck of the baby, can strangulate or suffocate the baby, especially when it is a little tight.

If you are using it for your child, make sure to use it only under supervision. Remove it as soon as the baby is alone, even if for a very short period. Make sure to remove it during sleeping time, whether it is during the day or night.

Choking Hazard

If you are using the jewellery as a bracelet or an anklet, the child can very easily put it in the mouth, and the beads might come loose and choke the baby.

So, it is again a big NO.

Only use the jewellery under adult supervision, if you want to.

Source of Harmful Bacteria

The teething jewellery is in constant contact with the skin, and the skin naturally has bacteria that can get colonised on the teething jewellery, thus causing infection to the child.

Research done at a French hospital showed that there was colonisation of bacteria on all the examined necklaces, which poses a health hazard to the child, and thus should be avoided.

Injury to the Gums

The teething jewellery can cause injury to the gums when the child tries to put it in the mouth. If any corner is sharp, it might pierce the gums, causing bleeding, pain and discomfort to the child. The child might even get intraoral infections.

Related: Are teething tablets safe for babies?

What is the alternative to tlismi moti (Teething Jewellery)?

There are a lot of other things you can do to soothe the teething pain your bundle of joy is going through.

1. Use teethers.
2. Use a washcloth
3. A gentle massage on the gums
4. Fruit nibblers
5. Milk popsicles
6. Become your baby’s chew toy
7. Medication

Good Read: 9 home remedies to soothe teething pain

So, to conclude, teething jewellery has no scientific benefit and more troubles, and the best thing to do when your baby is teething is to use other methods to relieve the teething pain.

Related: Tooth Eruption Chart (Milk/Baby Teeth)

Disclaimer

📝 Originally published in 2022. Last updated in July 2025.