Can Teething Cause a Fever in Babies?

A baby’s first tooth emerges between six and nine months, but it sometimes bleeds, hurts, and causes fussiness. Usually, the two front teeth on the bottom gums emerge first, but every baby is different. In this article on kidsrush.com, we will tell you can teething cause a fever in babies? Let’s Start!

A fever can cause teething, but this has never been supported by scientific proof. A baby’s temperature may spike slightly because of teething, but not to the extent that they suffer a fever.

You should be aware that fever during teething indicates another, unrelated illness is probably the reason. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of teething in babies. [1]

Read Also: The order of a loss of baby teeth in children

Fever and teething symptoms

All babies with teething likely respond differently to pain, but some common signs let you know that you have a sick or teething child.

Teething

Children who are teething may show the following signs and symptoms:

Contrary to popular belief, teething does not cause fever, diarrhea, a runny nose, or a diaper rash.

The symptoms of fever in a baby

An elevated temperature of more than 100.4°F (38°C) in babies is considered a fever.

Other symptoms of a fever are:

  • sweating
  • loss of appetite
  • chills or shivering
  • irritability
  • body aches
  • dehydration
  • weakness

There are several causes for fever, including:

  • viruses
  • heat exhaustion
  • bacterial infections
  • certain medical conditions affecting the immune system
  • some types of cancer
  • immunizations

Sometimes doctors are unable to pinpoint an exact cause for a fever. [2]

The best way to soothe your baby’s sore gums

It is possible to help your baby feel better if you take the appropriate measures.

Rub the gums

A cool spoon or a moist gauze pad can relieve some of the discomforts by rubbing your baby’s gums with your clean finger, but only if you do not rub excessively.

Use a teether

You can use teethers made of solid rubber to soothe the baby’s gums. Do not put teethers in the freezer after chilling, because extreme temperatures may cause the plastic to leak chemically. Also, try to avoid teething rings with liquid inside them, as these can break or leak.

Consider taking pain medication.

If your child is very irritable, ask the doctor if they can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. However, these medications should not be given for more than two days unless advised by the doctor.

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Don’t use dangerous teething products

In the past, some teething products were considered to be harmful, including:

  • Numbing gels. The FDA advises that parents avoid the use of products containing benzocaine, an OTC anesthetic, on children younger than 2 years. Benzocaine has been associated with a few serious, but rare, conditions, such as methemoglobinemia.
  • Teething tablets. Since lab testing revealed some homeopathic teething tablets to contain higher levels of belladonna — a toxic substance known as nightshade — than on the label, the FDA discourages parents from using homeopathic teething tablets.
  • Teething necklaces. The pieces of amber in these new teething devices can break off and cause strangulation or choking if they break off.

Is it possible to treat fever symptoms in a baby at home?

Your baby may be more comfortable if certain measures are taken if they have a fever.

Take care of your baby’s fluid needs

Fevers can cause dehydration, so you should make sure your baby drinks enough fluids throughout the day. If they are vomiting or refuse their milk, you may want to give them Pedialyte, but their usual formula or breast milk will work fine most of the time.

Make sure your baby gets enough rest

During a time of high fever, babies need to rest to heal.

Keep your baby cool

If you suspect your child will become overheated, dress him in light clothing. It may also help to place a cool washcloth on his head and give him a lukewarm bath.

Give pain medication to your baby

Tell your child’s physician if acetaminophen or ibuprofen will bring fever to a comfortable level.

When to consult a pediatrician

It’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with a doctor if your baby appears unusually upset. If your baby appears unusually worried, it’s wise to call your pediatrician.

If your newborn has a fever, get in touch with your pediatrician right away. Fevers in babies under three months are dangerous.

If your baby is older than 3 months and younger than 2 years, you should consult your pediatrician if he or she has a fever that:

  • surges above 104°F (40°C)
  • seems to worsen
  • persists for more than 24 hours

Get your baby medical care right away if he or she has a fever, as well as:

  • looks or behaves ill
  • has a seizure
  • irritable or drowsy for no apparent reason
  • a stiff neck
  • a rash
  • seems to have severe pain
  • persistent vomiting
  • is on steroid medicines
  • has an immune system disorder

The Bottom Line

As the new teeth break through the gums, teething can cause gum pain and fussiness in babies. However, one symptom the process will never cause is a fever. If your baby has a fever, then that is likely not due to teething.

Please consult your pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s teething symptoms.

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