Teether

This article is about a product for infants. For the 'Teen Titan' character, see List of minor characters in the Teen Titans animated series.

Sophie the Giraffe, a popular teether

A teether is a toy given to teething infants as soothing tool to help soothe inflamed gums during teething. Teethers come in many forms including wood, silicone and rubber. Some teethers are filled with a fluid or gel that can be frozen or refrigerated.

Similar toy known as Chew toy is also given to pets for the purposes of stimulation and relief from boredom.

Chewie Cat Teething Rings made from silicone and wood

Teethers can also be made into teething necklaces for mothers to wear. These necklaces are usually made of silicone.

Benefits

• Teethers are a great way to soothe achy gums.

• Teethers can help babies find their mouths and explore new ventures.
• Every baby is different, and every tooth is different. When molars come in, babies will need longer teethers.
• Babies are happier when they are soothing their achy gums.

Risks

Many common baby products, such as teethers, bath books, and sleep accessories, contain toxic chemicals, according to a report released by the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). The toxic chemicals include phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, both of which have been linked to multiple health problems including the following:

• Impaired brain development
• Learning defects
• Cancer

The European Commission's Scientific Committee announced that they are banning phthalate softeners in baby toys, because of toxic residue in six phthalate that were used in the manufacture of baby toys such as rattles and teethers. The European Union's plastic industry contests the validity of the ban.

Further, some teethers may pose a choking hazard to infants and toddlers depending on the teething parts and have prompted recalls.