Special necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry used by people with special needs to provide sensory stimulation are dangerous, federal regulators say.

The Food and Drug Administration is warning that teething jewelry has been linked to death and serious injuries in infants and children. The products, which can be worn by kids or adults, should not be used, the agency said.

“We know that teething necklaces and jewelry products have become increasingly popular among parents and caregivers who want to provide relief for children’s teething pain and sensory stimulation for children with special needs. We’re concerned about the risks we’ve observed with these products and want parents to be aware that teething jewelry puts children, including those with special needs, at risk of serious injury and death,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.

Teething jewelry comes in various forms and can be made of amber, wood, marble, silicone or other materials, the FDA said. Risks from the products include choking, strangulation, injury to the mouth and infection, according to the agency’s late December notice.

While traditionally aimed at young children who are getting their first teeth, the FDA said the jewelry is also known to be used by those with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other special needs to provide sensory stimulation or to redirect chewing on clothes or body parts.

Federal regulators are urging parents to avoid teething jewelry and said that health care providers should discourage their use.

“Given the breadth of the market for these teething necklaces and jewelry, we’re sharing this important safety information directly to consumers in order to help prevent injuries in infants and kids,” Gottlieb said.

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