Fever in babiesis often attributed to teething, but there is no evidence that the two are connected.
Jill Lehmann Photography / Getty Images
Does Teething Cause Fever?
Despite the myth, teething does not causefever.
Jill Lehmann Photography / Getty Images
Teething also does not cause diarrhea or runny nose, and typically does not cause a lot of crying.
When symptoms such as these are blamed on teething, a diagnosis and needed treatment could be delayed.
Between 6 and 12 months of age, babies lose the antibodies they gained from their birthing parent.
It’s also developmentally appropriate for them to chew on everything, increasing their exposure to illness.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
When babies are born, they have 20 teeth beneath the gums.
Some babies are born with one or more teeth already grown in.
Each baby is different.
Most children have all of their primary teeth by the time they turn 3 years old.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your child’s teeth are coming in much more slowly than this.
Teething Symptoms
Sometimes, the only symptom of teething is a tooth appearing.
Teething does not always cause pain or discomfort for the baby.
The degree of the fever does not always correlate with the seriousness of the illness.
Sometimes, minor illnesses can cause high fevers, and serious illnesses may not cause a high fever.
Instead, try some of these safer methods to help your baby feel better.
Chilling the wet cloth in the fridge first can also help.
To avoid strangulation, never tie a teething ring (or anything else) around your child’s neck.
Only use a teething ring when the child is directly supervised.
Choose ones that are made of solid, firm rubber.
Avoid ones that have liquid in them because they could leak or break.
Don’t boil them to sterilize them, which can damage the plastic and leak chemicals.
Be aware of what they are made of, and buy from reputable companies.
Even objects that are labeled for teething can contain harmful components,such as lead.
This includes “natural” and homeopathic teethers.
Washcloths
Washcloths are handy to have around when your baby is teething.
Avoid giving them hard foods, such as raw carrots, as these can be choking hazards.
Baby rusks often contain sugar, and may not be as good an option as they can causetooth decay.
Always supervise your baby when they have food to avoid the risk of choking.
Comforting
If your baby is irritable, they may need some extra comforting.
Distraction can also help.
Try drawing your baby’s attention by playing with them or showing them something interesting.
This medication should be used short-term (about a day) and dosed appropriately.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about how much and how often to administer it.
Never give aspirin to children under the age of 16 years.
How to Treat a Babys Fever at Home
Fevers don’t always need to be medicated.
If medication is warranted, talk to your healthcare provider about giving them fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Never wipe or bathe your child with alcohol.
It is a poison and can be absorbed through the skin.
Most of the time, symptoms can be managed at home.
A temperature of100.4 degrees F or highertypically indicates an illness or infection, not teething.
Contact your healthcare provider if the fever lasts longer than a couple days.
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Government of Ontario.Teething: What can I expect?
National Health Service.Baby teething symptoms.
Arnold Palmer Hospital For Children.Does teething cause a fever?
Find out whats fact and whats fiction.
Royal Children’s Hospital.Fever in children.
Government of Manitoba.Caring for a child with a fever.
Food and Drug Administration.Safely soothing teething pain in infants and children.
National Health Service.Tips for helping your teething baby.
