Teething itself does not cause a true fever, but mild temperature rises can accompany the discomfort.
Understanding Baby Teething and Fever
Teething is a natural developmental milestone when an infant’s first teeth, called primary or baby teeth, start to emerge through the gums. This process usually begins around 6 months of age but can vary widely among babies. Parents often notice symptoms such as irritability, drooling, gum swelling, and sometimes a slight rise in body temperature during this period.
The question that frequently arises is whether teething directly causes fever. The term “fever” refers to a body temperature above the normal range, typically over 100.4°F (38°C). Many parents report their babies having fevers during teething episodes and assume the two are linked. But medical research and pediatric guidelines suggest that while teething causes discomfort and mild symptoms, it does not cause high fever or serious illness.
What Happens During Teething?
When teeth push through the gums, they cause localized inflammation. This inflammation can make the gums tender and swollen, leading to fussiness and increased drooling. Babies often chew on objects to relieve the pressure and pain in their gums.
The body’s response to this minor trauma includes increased blood flow to the area and activation of immune cells to help with tissue healing. This immune activity can sometimes cause a slight elevation in body temperature — often referred to as a low-grade fever or “teething temperature.” However, this increase is generally mild and transient.
Why Do Parents Confuse Teething with Fever?
Several factors contribute to this confusion:
- Coincidence: The age when babies start teething overlaps with the time their immune systems are developing and they begin encountering new viruses and bacteria.
- Mild Temperature Rise: Slight increases in temperature (up to 99°F or 37.2°C) are common during teething but do not qualify as true fevers.
- Symptoms Overlap: Symptoms like irritability, restless sleep, and drooling are common in both teething and viral infections.
- Lack of Awareness: Parents may interpret any rise in temperature as a fever needing medical attention.
The Science Behind Baby Teething Fever- Myth Or Fact?
Medical studies have examined whether teething causes fever beyond mild temperature fluctuations. The consensus among pediatricians is clear: teething does not cause high fever or serious illness.
A review published in the journal Pediatrics analyzed multiple studies on teething symptoms. It found no significant evidence linking teething with fevers above 100.4°F (38°C). Mild temperature rises under this threshold were noted but were not consistent or severe enough to be classified as fever.
Another study observed infants longitudinally during their teething periods and found no correlation between tooth eruption and clinically significant fevers or infections. The researchers concluded that if a baby has a high fever during teething age, it is more likely due to an underlying infection rather than the teeth themselves.
The Role of Infections During Teething Age
Babies’ immune systems are immature during early infancy, making them prone to viral infections such as colds, flu, or ear infections. These illnesses often coincide with the typical teething window (4-12 months), which fuels misconceptions about causality.
Common infections at this stage include:
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Runny noses, coughs, and fevers are frequent.
- Ear Infections: Babies may tug at their ears due to discomfort along with elevated temperatures.
- Gastrointestinal Viruses: Resulting in diarrhea accompanied by low-grade fevers.
These conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment from healthcare providers rather than attributing symptoms solely to teething.
Signs That Indicate Something More Than Teething
It’s crucial for caregivers to distinguish between normal teething symptoms and signs of illness needing medical attention. Here are red flags that suggest your baby might be sick rather than just teething:
- High Fever: Temperatures above 100.4°F (38°C) lasting more than one day.
- Persistent Crying: Uncontrollable crying for hours despite soothing efforts.
- Lethargy: Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking up.
- Poor Feeding: Refusal to eat or drink for extended periods.
- Diarrhea or Vomiting: Signs of dehydration along with other symptoms.
If any of these occur alongside suspected teething signs, prompt consultation with a pediatrician is essential.
The Difference Between Teething Discomfort and Illness Symptoms
| Symptom | Typical Teething Presentation | Possible Illness Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Gum Swelling | Present; localized at tooth eruption sites | Absent or generalized swelling |
| Drooling | Excessive drooling common | Drooling rare unless associated with mouth infection |
| Temperature | Slightly elevated (up to 99°F / 37.2°C) | High fever (>100.4°F / 38°C) |
| Behavior | Fussiness especially when chewing | Persistent inconsolable crying |
| Appetite | Usually maintained | Decreased feeding or refusal |
This table highlights how subtle differences can guide parents toward correct interpretation.
Treating Baby Discomfort Safely During Teething
Though baby teething fever is largely a myth regarding high fevers caused by tooth eruption alone, managing discomfort remains important for infant well-being.
Here are safe practices:
- Cooled Teethers: Chilling rubber or silicone teethers provides soothing relief without risk of cold injury.
- Mild Gum Massage: Gently rubbing gums with clean fingers can ease pain.
- Pain Relief Medication: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen dosed appropriately for age can reduce discomfort if advised by a pediatrician.
- Avoid Harmful Remedies: Avoid topical gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine due to potential side effects in infants.
Hydration is also key since drooling can increase fluid loss slightly.
The Importance of Monitoring Temperature Properly
Parents should use reliable thermometers — digital rectal thermometers provide the most accurate readings for infants under three months old. Oral thermometers aren’t suitable for young babies.
Keeping a log of temperatures during suspected illness episodes helps pediatricians make informed decisions about care needs.
Tackling Baby Teething Fever- Myth Or Fact? With Confidence
Recognizing that true fevers aren’t caused by teething empowers parents to act wisely when their babies show signs of illness during this vulnerable stage.
Here’s what you should remember:
- Mild warmth up to 99°F is normal during gum irritation but doesn’t equal fever.
- If your baby develops a higher temperature, suspect infection until proven otherwise.
- Treat discomfort gently without resorting to unproven remedies.
- If unsure about symptoms or if your child appears seriously unwell, seek medical advice promptly.
This balanced approach helps ensure safety while reducing unnecessary worry about every little symptom linked incorrectly to teeth eruption.
Key Takeaways: Baby Teething Fever- Myth Or Fact?
➤ Teething rarely causes high fever.
➤ Mild temperature may accompany teething.
➤ Persistent fever needs medical evaluation.
➤ Teething symptoms include drooling and irritability.
➤ Consult a doctor for unusual symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Baby Teething Cause Fever?
Teething itself does not cause a true fever. While babies may experience mild temperature rises during teething, these are usually low-grade and temporary. High fevers are typically unrelated to the teething process and may indicate an infection or illness.
Why Do Parents Think Baby Teething Causes Fever?
Parents often confuse teething with fever because the timing overlaps with when babies encounter new viruses. Mild temperature increases during teething can be mistaken for fever, but true fevers above 100.4°F (38°C) are generally caused by infections, not teething.
What Symptoms Accompany Baby Teething Fever- Myth Or Fact?
Common symptoms during teething include irritability, drooling, and gum swelling. Mild temperature rises might occur, but high fever is not a typical symptom of teething. If a baby has a significant fever, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out other causes.
Can Baby Teething Cause Serious Illness or High Fever?
No, medical research shows that teething does not cause serious illness or high fever. Any high temperature during the teething period is likely due to an infection or other health issue and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How Can Parents Manage Baby Teething Discomfort Without Worrying About Fever?
Parents can soothe teething discomfort with gentle gum massage, teething rings, or cold washcloths. Monitoring the baby’s temperature helps distinguish between mild teething-related warmth and actual fever, ensuring timely care if illness develops.
Conclusion – Baby Teething Fever- Myth Or Fact?
Baby teething fever remains largely a myth when referring to true high fevers caused solely by tooth eruption. While slight increases in body temperature may accompany gum inflammation during teething, these do not qualify as clinical fevers requiring concern on their own.
Parents should stay alert for signs indicating actual infections—such as persistent high fever, lethargy, poor feeding, or severe irritability—and seek professional care accordingly. Understanding this distinction fosters better infant care decisions without undue stress over normal developmental processes.
Ultimately, knowledge dispels myths—and knowing that baby teeth don’t cause real fevers helps families focus on what truly matters: keeping little ones healthy and comfortable through every stage of growth.