Quick Summary
Teething may cause drooling, chewing, mild fussiness, sleep changes, and tender gums. It can slightly raise body temperature within the normal range, but it does not cause a true fever.
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a fever and should not be dismissed as “just teething.” A baby can be teething and sick at the same time. Babies younger than 3 months with this temperature need prompt medical evaluation.
For comfort, gently massage the gums or offer a cool, firm rubber teether under supervision. Avoid numbing gels, homeopathic tablets, frozen teethers, and amber teething necklaces.
The Key Difference Between Teething and Fever
Parents often use the phrase “teething fever” when a baby feels warm while a tooth is coming through. Medically, that phrase can be misleading.
| What you notice | More consistent with teething | More consistent with illness |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Normal temperature or a slight rise below 100.4°F | 100.4°F or higher |
| Gums | Tender, swollen, or a visible tooth edge | Mouth sores, severe swelling, pus, or another unusual change |
| Behavior | Mild fussiness but still responsive | Very sleepy, difficult to wake, weak, or unusually distressed |
| Feeding | May chew or pause because gums are sore | Refuses fluids, feeds much less, or shows dehydration |
| Other symptoms | Drooling, chewing, mild sleep changes | Vomiting, persistent diarrhea, breathing problems, widespread rash, or worsening cough |
This table cannot diagnose the cause of a fever. When you are uncertain, contact your child’s pediatrician.
Does Teething Cause Fever?
No. Current pediatric guidance does not consider teething a cause of a true fever.
Teething involves a baby tooth moving through the gum tissue. This local process can make the gums tender and may slightly raise the child’s temperature. The rise should remain below the medical fever threshold.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren resource explains that teething may cause a slight temperature increase within the normal range, but research does not show that it causes a true fever. The American Dental Association’s teething guidance also focuses on sore gums, chewing, and safe comfort measures rather than treating fever as a normal part of tooth eruption.
This matters because blaming fever on teething can delay care for an infection or another medical problem.
Why Do Babies Seem to Get Sick While Teething?
Teething and common childhood illnesses often occur during the same stage. Babies also begin putting hands and objects in their mouths more often, increasing contact with germs.
This timing can create a false connection. A baby may have sore gums from teething and a fever from a cold, ear infection, urinary tract infection, stomach virus, or another illness at the same time. A new tooth does not explain away a measured fever.
What Temperature Is Considered a Fever in a Teething Baby?
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever, particularly when measured rectally in an infant.
Do not rely only on touching your baby’s forehead or cheeks. Warm skin, flushed cheeks, crying, a warm room, heavy clothing, or recent activity can affect how hot a child feels. Use a digital thermometer and follow the instructions for the child’s age and the type of device.
For infants, especially those younger than 3 months, rectal temperature is generally considered the most accurate. Forehead thermometers may be useful for older babies, but any concerning reading or symptom should be discussed with a medical professional.
How Long Do Teething Fevers Last?
A true “teething fever” does not have a normal duration because teething does not cause a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
A baby may have a brief, slight temperature rise around the time a tooth erupts, but it should remain below 100.4°F. If the temperature reaches the fever range, look for another cause and contact your pediatrician based on your child’s age, symptoms, and medical history.
Call the pediatrician if:
- Your baby is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher
- The fever rises above 104°F
- A fever without other symptoms lasts more than 48 hours
- A fever with other symptoms lasts more than 72 hours
- Your child becomes worse, appears very ill, or you are worried
Do not wait for a fever to “finish teething” before seeking advice.
Can Molar Teething Cause Fever?
Molars can cause noticeable gum pressure, chewing, drooling, irritability, sleep changes, and a short-term change in appetite.
They still do not cause a fever of 100.4°F or higher. The same fever rule applies to incisors, canines, first molars, and second molars. Treat a fever during molar eruption as a possible illness, not a normal dental symptom.
What Are Normal Teething Symptoms?
Some babies have few symptoms. Others become uncomfortable for several days around the time a tooth begins to break through the gum.
Common teething signs include:
- Increased drooling
- Chewing on fingers, toys, or safe objects
- Tender or mildly swollen gums
- A visible tooth edge beneath or through the gum
- Mild fussiness
- Short-term sleep disruption
- Rubbing the cheek or mouth
- A reduced interest in firmer foods
- A mild drool rash around the chin or mouth
These symptoms should remain manageable. Teething should not make a child look severely ill.
Which Symptoms Are Not Usually Caused by Teething?
Teething does not usually explain:
- A temperature of 100.4°F or higher
- High or persistent fever
- Vomiting
- Persistent or severe diarrhea
- A widespread body rash
- Trouble breathing
- A strong or worsening cough
- Extreme sleepiness
- Severe, continuous crying
- Refusal to drink
- Signs of dehydration
- Seizures
- Pus, severe facial swelling, or a foul odor from the mouth
A runny nose or loose stool may happen at the same time as teething, but parents should not automatically assume the tooth is the cause. Watch the full pattern of symptoms and contact the pediatrician when something does not seem right.
Teething Fever vs. Illness: How Can Parents Tell?
Start with the thermometer, then check behavior, feeding, breathing, hydration, and other symptoms.
A teething baby may be fussy but usually remains alert, responds to comfort, and continues drinking. Illness is more likely when the child has a true fever, worsening symptoms, repeated vomiting, frequent diarrhea, fewer wet diapers, breathing difficulty, a concerning rash, a seizure, or unusual drowsiness.
The number matters, but behavior matters too. A child who looks very unwell needs medical advice even when the temperature is not extremely high.
When Should You Call a Pediatrician?
Seek prompt medical guidance if a baby younger than 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher.
For an older baby or toddler, call the pediatrician for fever above 104°F, breathing trouble, unusual drowsiness, poor drinking, fewer wet diapers, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, a seizure, a concerning rash, stiff neck, unusual pain, or symptoms that improve and then worsen.
Call 911 for severe breathing trouble, blue or gray lips, loss of consciousness, a seizure that does not stop, or another life-threatening emergency.
When Should You Call a Dentist?
A pediatrician evaluates fever and general illness. A dentist evaluates teeth, gums, oral development, and injuries.
Book a dental visit for severe or one-sided gum swelling, pus, persistent bleeding, mouth injuries, spots on a new tooth, pain after eruption, unusual tooth color or shape, delayed eruption concerns, or questions about fluoride and brushing.
For urgent tooth injuries, oral swelling, or severe dental pain, visit our guide to emergency dental care in Burbank.
Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby
Most discomfort can be managed without medicine.
Massage the Gums
Wash your hands and gently rub the sore gum with a clean finger, cool damp gauze, or a clean washcloth.
Offer a Cool, Firm Teether
Use a solid rubber teether that cannot break or leak. Refrigerate it only if the maker allows, and never freeze it. Always supervise your baby.
Add Comfort and Protect the Skin
Cuddling, distraction, and a calm bedtime routine can help. Pat drool away gently, change wet bibs, and ask the pediatrician about a suitable skin barrier if irritation develops.
Teething Remedies Parents Should Avoid
Some products marketed for teething can be unsafe even when they are sold over the counter.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against using benzocaine or lidocaine products for teething pain in infants and young children. These products provide little benefit and can cause serious harm.
Avoid:
- Benzocaine numbing gels
- Lidocaine products unless specifically prescribed for another condition
- Homeopathic teething tablets or gels
- Amber teething necklaces and bracelets
- Any necklace, cord, or teether tied around the neck
- Liquid-filled teethers that can leak
- Frozen teethers or ice placed directly on the gums
- Alcohol rubbed on the gums
- Aspirin placed on the gums
- Hard foods or objects that can break and cause choking
Teething jewelry can cause choking or strangulation. Remove it rather than using it during sleep or supervised play.
Can You Give Medicine for Teething Pain?
Medication may be appropriate for some babies, but it should not be the first step for mild teething discomfort.
Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist before giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The correct product and dose depend on the child’s age, weight, health history, and other medicines. Ibuprofen is not generally used in babies younger than 6 months unless a medical professional specifically recommends it.
Never give aspirin to a child. Do not combine medicines, repeat a dose early, or use a product intended for adults. Medicine given for teething pain should not be used to hide an unexplained fever without seeking medical advice.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
The first tooth often appears around 6 months, but the normal range is wide. Lower front teeth commonly appear first, followed by upper front teeth, side incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars.
Most children eventually develop 20 primary teeth. Timing and order can vary. Constant severe symptoms for weeks should not automatically be blamed on teething.
How to Care for the First Baby Tooth
Dental care begins as soon as the first tooth appears.
Use a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste twice daily for children younger than 3. An adult should perform or closely assist with brushing because babies and toddlers cannot clean their teeth effectively.
Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice, or another sweet drink. Frequent contact with sugar can lead to early childhood cavities.
Our guide to dental care for kids explains brushing, food choices, fluoride, and preventive care from baby teeth through the teenage years.
When Should a Child Have the First Dental Visit?
Plan the first dental visit when the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. This early visit is not only about finding cavities.
A dentist can:
- Check tooth eruption and enamel development
- Review brushing and fluoride use
- Discuss bottles, breastfeeding, cups, and snacks
- Look for early decay
- Assess oral habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Explain what is normal during teething
- Help parents prepare for dental injuries
- Build a comfortable dental routine before a problem develops
Learn more about why ongoing visits matter in our guide to regular dental checkups.
Children’s Dental Care in Burbank, CA
Magnolia Dentistry provides family dental care in Burbank. Dr. Liyan Massaband, DMD, MPH, can evaluate a child’s teeth and gums, answer eruption questions, and help parents build healthy habits early.
A dentist does not replace a pediatrician. Fever, breathing problems, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of general illness need medical guidance. Tooth eruption, decay, oral injuries, gum changes, and brushing concerns can be assessed by our dental team.
Parents seeking a dentist in Burbank, CA can call (818) 846-9041 or request a new patient dental exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can teething cause a fever of 100.4°F?
No. A temperature of 100.4°F or higher is considered a true fever and should not be blamed on teething. Contact your child’s pediatrician based on age and symptoms.
Can teething cause a fever of 101°F, 102°F, or 103°F?
No. These temperatures are above the fever threshold. Your child may be teething and sick at the same time, but the tooth itself does not explain a high temperature.
How long does a teething fever last?
A true fever is not a normal teething symptom, so it does not have a normal teething duration. A slight temperature rise below 100.4°F may be brief. A measured fever should be assessed as a possible illness.
Can molar teething cause a high fever?
No. Molars may cause more gum pressure and chewing, but they should not cause a high fever.
Can teething cause diarrhea?
Teething does not usually cause significant or persistent diarrhea. Loose stool may occur at the same time for another reason. Contact the pediatrician if diarrhea is frequent, severe, bloody, or accompanied by dehydration or fever.
Can teething cause a rash?
Drool can irritate the skin around the mouth, chin, neck, or chest. A widespread rash, blistering rash, or rash with fever should be evaluated by a medical provider.
Is it normal for a teething baby to stop eating?
Sore gums may reduce interest in firm food for a short time. Refusing all fluids, feeding much less, or having fewer wet diapers can signal illness or dehydration and needs medical advice.
What is the safest teething remedy?
Gentle gum massage and a cool, solid rubber teether are among the safest options. Supervise your child and avoid numbing gels, frozen objects, homeopathic tablets, and teething jewelry.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. They have not been shown to relieve teething pain and can create choking and strangulation hazards.
Should I take my child to a dentist or pediatrician for teething fever?
Call the pediatrician for a measured fever or signs of illness. See a dentist for concerns about the teeth, gums, eruption pattern, tooth decay, or oral injury.
Teething can cause sore gums, drooling, chewing, mild fussiness, and short-term sleep changes. It may slightly raise body temperature within the normal range, but it does not cause a true fever.
Treat a temperature of 100.4°F or higher as a possible sign of illness, even when a tooth is erupting. Use a thermometer, watch your child’s behavior and hydration, and contact the pediatrician when symptoms are concerning.
For questions about baby teeth, brushing, fluoride, eruption, or children’s dental care in Burbank, call Magnolia Dentistry at (818) 846-9041.
