How to Treat Wooden Teething Rings
Welcome to our ‘ How to Treat Wooden Teething Rings ‘ article.
What’s a Teething Ring?
Teething rings are typically chewable toys designed to fit into the small grasp of kids. Provided that kids with sore gums chew them, they will generate the necessary pressure to soothe the sore gums. There are different types of teething rings made from plastic silicone and wood varieties. For instance, wooden teething toys are made from renewable beechwood.
Still, there are varieties of woods in play. It’s not uncommon to find teething rings made of myrtle wood, madrone wood, cherry wood, or alder wood in the market. But the most recommended ones are Maple wood Beachwood wooden toys.
Benefits of wooden teething rings
The main advantage of wooden teething rings is their durability which makes them economical and reliable. Since wooden teething rings are not made from toxic chemicals, your child’s safety is also guaranteed. Wood is a natural product and the only material you will ever get for a teething ring with antibacterial properties. As a result, your kid stands to benefit from the antibacterial properties when easing pain and distress.
Despite all these facts, wooden teething rings are objects that stay in your child’s mouth and may get infected with tougher bacteria. Molds may also start to grow, exposing your child to fungal infections. And so to speak, the question on how to treat wooded teething rings rises.
How to treat wooden teething rings by removing molds
Most cleaning agents that you apply on wood furniture are not ideal for treating wooden teething rings. Wood polishes and chemicals come along with antibacterial properties that should never fall into contact with your child’s skin or mouth. Should it come into contact, it will cause skin irritation and allergies.
The safest and chemical-free way of removing mold from wooden teething is by the use of a vinegar cleaning solution. Naturally, vinegar is an acid that works against bacteria and the growth of fungi. It’s therefore mixed with water in the ratio of 1:10.
Once you have made the solution, deep in a piece of cloth, extract it, and knight. Proceed by wiping it off the wooden teething ring. It will be wise not to soak the teething ring since it absorbs water which promotes swelling. Additionally, soaking will increase the potential for mold growth by providing water and increased surface area ideal for growth.
After wiping the wooden toy, you should let it dry in a warm spot. Direct sunlight will suffice since it evaporates water from the surface. It will also be helpful if you stick with the ratio as vinegar is a strong-smelling natural acid. Using an exaggerated ratio will cause a foul odor after cleaning.
Also, the sour taste that vinegar leaves on the wooden toy can only be reduced if you use a smaller quantity of vinegar in the cleaning solution. Your child will be discouraged with the teething rings, should he taste the sour vinegar on them.
How to treat wooden teething rings with moisture replacement
Wood teething rings tend to dry out after a long period of use. Due to this, they need to be moisturized. It’s always a puzzle when it comes to finding a middle point between keeping the water in or out.
Nonetheless, the wooden toy can be moisturized by covering the wooden toy in olive oil or beeswax once you are done cleaning. Remember, both olive and beeswax are free from toxins. Thus, there will be no chemicals to harm your little one. Most importantly, as mentioned earlier, do not soak the teething ring in furniture polish.
How to treat wooden teething rings with traditional methods
Boiling in high temperatures
Boiling is considered an efficient traditional germ-killing method. It has also been tested and proven to be safe for children. To get rid of germs, you have to boil the teething ring for about seven minutes. Also, If you can keep track of temperature, it’s ideal that you soak them for 5 minutes once the boiled water has attained temperatures ranging within 720C-800C.
Also, this method is efficacious with hard plastic teething toys. However, prior to boiling, ensure the product is designed to withstand the high boiling temperatures.
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How to treat wooden teething toys through steaming and sterilization
Sterilization of wooden teething toys involves the use of an electric steam sterilizer. All you need to do is to deepen the wooden teething ring in a sterilizer containing water. Then switch it on for about 4 minutes. Still, you may use a refrigerator as most bacteria won’t withstand temperatures between -20C to -70C
If you can’t access refrigeration, pasteurization can still work. It’s a simple DIY method that helps in the inhibition of bacterial growth. With pasteurization, you have to soak the teething ring in water for a minute. Then proceed by subjecting it to temperatures of 720C and above for 25 seconds. The temperatures will help inhibit bacterial growth and kill germs as well.
How to treat wooden teething rings from stains
If your child’s teething ring is starting to form stains, consider using gentle grit sandpaper. You have to Mark the stained region and accurately rub it off. Also, it would be best if you use a damping cloth to absorb the dust produced. If you apply oils on the teething ring, you should allow it maximum time for absorption after sanding before giving it back to your child.
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Conclusion: How to Treat Wooden Teething Rings
Wooden teething rings are the safest teething rings you will ever get. Unlike silicone and other plastics, they come along with antibacterial benefits. But that does not suffice for them not to be treated. Again, they are environmentally friendly, and so does the treating process. You won’t need any chemicals to remove bacteria, germs, or mold from a wooden teething ring. In fact, traditional cost-free methods are applicable except for refrigeration and electric sterilization.
Remember, kids will always put these objects in their mouths. You must get rid of germs and the type of treatment matters. Using chemicals will only expose your child to significant health risks. Do not victimize your little one!
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