Can Teething Cause a Fever? A Pediatrician Separates Fact from Fiction
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Teething does not cause a true fever. A baby's temperature may rise slightly while teething, but it should remain within the normal range. A temperature of about 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should not automatically be blamed on teething.
If your baby has a true fever, look for another cause—most often an infection—and pay attention to age, behavior, hydration, breathing and any new symptoms.
- Teething may cause drooling, chewing, gum tenderness and mild fussiness.
- Teething does not cause a true fever.
- A temperature around 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should prompt you to consider illness rather than teething.
- Teething does not explain significant diarrhea, severe crying, major congestion or a baby who looks ill.
- Blaming fever on teething can delay recognition of infections such as ear infections or UTIs.
- For teething discomfort, use simple measures such as gum massage and chilled—not frozen—teething items.
Why Do Parents Associate Teething With Fever?
Teething commonly begins around the same age that babies start putting everything in their mouths, become more mobile, and encounter more viruses.
That timing creates an easy association: a baby starts drooling and chewing, then develops a fever, runny nose or diarrhea. It is natural to assume the teeth caused all of it.
But medically, these are often two separate things happening at the same time.
The teething may be real—and so may the infection.
Teething gets blamed for a remarkable number of symptoms in babies.
When a baby has a true fever, I don't stop looking because a tooth happens to be coming in. A new tooth does not protect a baby from having an ear infection, UTI or viral illness at the same time.
What Symptoms Can Teething Actually Cause?
Normal teething is usually a mild process.
Common symptoms can include:
- Drooling
- Wanting to chew or bite on objects
- Rubbing the gums
- Mild gum swelling or tenderness
- Temporary mild fussiness
Some babies barely react to teething at all.
The discomfort usually centers around the gum where the tooth is beginning to emerge rather than causing a baby to appear generally ill.
Can Teething Raise Body Temperature at All?
A slight increase in body temperature can occur around teething, but research cited by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that this rise generally stays within the normal range.
In other words:
A slightly warmer baby can be teething. A baby with a true fever should be evaluated as having another possible cause.
If your thermometer shows a temperature at or above the fever range, don't assume the tooth explains it.
What Symptoms Should Not Be Blamed on Teething?
Teething should not be used as the explanation for a baby who appears truly sick.
Symptoms that deserve another explanation include:
- True fever
- Significant diarrhea
- Repeated vomiting
- Major runny nose or cough
- Severe or persistent crying
- Marked sleepiness or weakness
- Poor feeding
- Difficulty breathing
- A concerning rash
If these occur while your baby is teething, consider the possibility that your child is also becoming ill.
Why Does This Distinction Matter?
Because attributing a true fever to teething can create false reassurance.
An infant with fever may have a common viral infection, but infections such as an ear infection or urinary tract infection can also initially be subtle.
The safest approach is simple: treat teething as teething and fever as fever.
What If My Baby Has a Fever While Teething?
First, measure the temperature with a reliable thermometer rather than judging by touch alone.
Then consider your baby's age and overall condition.
If your baby is older than 3 months, alert, drinking reasonably well and breathing comfortably, you may be able to observe initially while watching for new symptoms.
But if the baby is younger than 3 months, the approach is different.
- Your baby is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Your child develops a true fever that you were assuming was caused by teething.
- Your baby seems significantly more irritable, sleepy or uncomfortable than expected with ordinary teething.
- Your child is drinking poorly or urinating less than usual.
- You notice ear pain, persistent cough, repeated vomiting, diarrhea or urinary symptoms.
- The fever persists or your child appears to be getting worse.
- You are uncertain whether the symptoms are normal teething or illness.
Seek prompt medical care if fever is accompanied by:
- Significant difficulty breathing
- Blue, gray or unusually pale lips or skin
- Extreme sleepiness or unusual difficulty waking
- A seizure
- Persistent vomiting that prevents fluids from staying down
- Signs of significant dehydration
- A stiff neck or other major neurologic symptoms
- A sudden purple or bruise-like rash
- A baby who looks seriously ill or is rapidly worsening
What Can I Do for Normal Teething Discomfort?
- Massage the sore gum gently with a clean finger.
- Offer a clean, chilled teething ring.
- Use a cool, damp washcloth for your baby to chew on.
- Choose teething toys that are sturdy and appropriate for your baby's age.
- Keep teething items chilled in the refrigerator rather than frozen solid.
Pressure on a tender gum often provides more relief than parents expect.
What Teething Remedies Should Parents Avoid?
Some products marketed for teething provide little benefit and can create unnecessary risk.
Benzocaine teething gels
Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine. The FDA and AAP warn against their use in young children because benzocaine can cause a rare but serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
Homeopathic teething tablets or gels
These are not recommended. Some products have contained inconsistent or potentially harmful ingredients, and there is no good evidence that they provide meaningful benefit.
Amber teething necklaces
Amber necklaces do not have proven teething benefits and create choking and strangulation hazards.
Frozen teething rings
Chilled is better than frozen. Very hard frozen items can injure tender gums.
Does My Baby Need Pain Medicine for Teething?
Most teething discomfort is mild and improves with gum massage or a chilled teething item.
If your baby is clearly uncomfortable and those measures are not enough, speak with your pediatrician about whether an age- and weight-appropriate dose of acetaminophen is reasonable. For children older than 6 months, ibuprofen may sometimes be another option.
Pain medicine should not be used repeatedly for days simply because a baby is believed to be teething. Persistent pain or fussiness deserves another look.
Pediatric acetaminophen and ibuprofen dosing is usually based on weight. Dr. G's QuickDose™ can help parents calculate an appropriate dose based on the child's weight and medication form.
Ibuprofen generally should not be used in babies younger than 6 months unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
Use Dr. G's QuickDose™Frequently Asked Questions
Can teething cause a 100.4°F fever?
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) is generally considered a true fever and should not simply be attributed to teething. Look for another cause, especially infection.
Can teething cause a 101°F or 102°F fever?
No. Temperatures in that range should not be blamed on teething. Your baby may happen to be teething and sick at the same time.
Can teething cause diarrhea?
Teething itself is not considered a cause of significant diarrhea. If your baby develops frequent loose stools, consider another explanation such as infection or a dietary change.
Can teething cause a runny nose?
Teething does not explain a significant runny nose or respiratory illness. Babies who are teething are also at an age when viral infections are extremely common.
Can teething make my baby fussy?
Mild temporary fussiness can occur because of sore gums. Severe, persistent crying or a baby who seems unusually ill deserves another explanation.
Why does my baby chew on everything?
Chewing puts pressure on tender gums and is a normal behavior during teething. Babies at this age are also naturally exploring objects with their mouths.
The easiest rule to remember is this:
Teething causes teeth. It should not be used to explain away a genuinely sick baby.
Drooling, chewing and tender gums fit beautifully with teething. A true fever, significant diarrhea, severe crying or a baby who looks ill deserves another explanation.
References & Medical Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Baby's First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: When Does Teething Start?
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Teething Symptom Checker
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Fever and Your Baby
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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your child's pediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional. Every child and clinical situation is different. If you are concerned about your child's health, contact your pediatrician or seek appropriate medical care. If you believe your child may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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