Are wooden teething rings safer than silicone ones?
Based on 2 peer-reviewed studiesbaby
Verdict: Safer
Unfinished hardwood yes. Wooden rings with paint or thick finish might release chemicals.
What's actually in it
Unfinished maple, beech, or olive wood teething rings are just wood. No plastic, no coatings, no chemicals to release. Check for food-grade oil finishes only (olive, walnut, or beeswax): avoid thick polyurethane or painted teethers.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Chemosphere showed plastic teethers release bisphenols. A 2025 study showed silicone releases trace siloxanes.
Wooden teethers win on materials. Watch for cracks or splinters as they age; replace when worn.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Assessing bisphenols migration from children's products. | Chemosphere | 2025 |
| Silicone bakeware as a source of human exposure to cyclic siloxanes. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
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