Teething, where an infant’s first teeth emerge through the gums, is a universal developmental milestone. Parents frequently observe increased fussiness and discomfort during this period, leading to a common question about whether teething can cause a fever. While the discomfort is real, it is important to understand the medical distinction between a minor temperature elevation and a true fever. This understanding helps ensure that parents address any potential illness occurring at the same time as teething.
The Medical Consensus on Teething and Fever
Medical research indicates that teething does not cause a significant fever. The discomfort and inflammation of the gums as a tooth pushes through may cause a minor, localized temperature increase. This slight rise is typically short-lived and remains below the threshold considered to be a medical fever.
Healthcare providers define a fever in infants as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. If a child reaches this temperature, the cause is almost certainly an underlying illness or infection, not the teething process itself. Attributing a true fever to teething risks delaying the diagnosis of a common childhood illness, such as a cold, ear infection, or viral infection.
Recognizing Common Teething Indicators
The symptoms that are medically linked to teething are generally localized to the mouth and face. Parents should look for signs like swollen, red, or tender gums in the area where a tooth is preparing to erupt. Increased drooling is also a characteristic indicator, which can sometimes lead to a mild rash on the chin or face from the constant moisture.
The infant often attempts to relieve the pressure in their gums by chewing or gnawing on hard objects, toys, or their own hands. Other common indicators include mild irritability, fussiness, and slight changes in sleeping or eating patterns. These minor symptoms often coincide with a separate, coincidental illness, leading many parents to mistakenly connect the illness’s fever to the teething process.
Systemic symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, cough, or congestion, are not caused by the eruption of teeth. When a child presents with these signs in addition to a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), the symptoms should be treated as signs of sickness. Focusing on these localized signs helps distinguish routine discomfort from a genuine medical concern.
Safe and Effective Pain Relief Methods
Several safe, non-medicinal techniques can effectively soothe the localized pain associated with teething. Gently massaging the baby’s gums with a clean finger can help provide counter-pressure and temporary relief. Offering a firm, solid rubber teething ring or a clean, chilled (not frozen) washcloth allows the child to safely apply pressure to the sore area. Freezing a teething object is not advised because the extreme cold can damage the tender gum tissue.
If non-medicinal methods are not sufficient, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain and mild inflammation. It is important to follow the dosage instructions precisely, basing the amount on the child’s current weight and age.
Parents must avoid specific products due to serious safety risks and lack of effectiveness. The use of topical gels or creams containing benzocaine or lidocaine is not recommended, as these can be toxic or lead to serious blood conditions. Homeopathic teething tablets or gels, which have been found to contain dangerous levels of substances like belladonna, should also be avoided. Products like amber teething necklaces pose a risk of choking or strangulation and have no proven medical benefit.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
A parent should seek medical advice immediately if a child under three months of age has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. For older infants, a temperature that rises repeatedly above 104°F (40°C) requires prompt attention. Any fever lasting longer than 24 to 48 hours should also be evaluated by a medical provider, even if the child appears otherwise well.
It is also important to watch for accompanying symptoms that signal a need for professional care. These include persistent vomiting or diarrhea, a refusal to drink fluids leading to signs of dehydration, or unusual lethargy and difficulty waking the child. When these systemic issues occur alongside an elevated temperature, they indicate a need for diagnosis and treatment of a condition unrelated to teething.