title: Infant Strangulation from an Amber Teething Necklace.
abstract: Amber teething necklaces supposedly provide analgesia for teething infants. Their use is becoming more widespread, despite lack of peer-reviewed evidence and warnings from Health Canada that they pose a strangulation and aspiration risk. To date, there have been no published reports of strangulation secondary to amber teething necklaces. In this report we present a case of non-fatal infant strangulation from the first time use of an amber teething necklace. We will also discuss the role of physicians as advocates in reporting similar cases and educating families. Finally, we will comment on the responsibility of all professionals and professional organizations that work with infants and toddlers to advocate for children by raising concerns and counselling parents.
authors: *Dalhousie University,Halifax,NS.
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Cox
authors: †Department of Emergency Medicine,Dalhousie University,Halifax,NS.
authors: Neil
authors: N
authors: Petrie
authors: †Department of Emergency Medicine,Dalhousie University,Halifax,NS.
authors: Katrina F
authors: KF
authors: Hurley
mesh_terms: D000061:Accidents, Home; D018647:Amber / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015370:Infant Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014078:Tooth Eruption
chemical_list: D018647:Amber
keywords: amber teething necklace; injury prevention; paediatrics; strangulation