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Is your baby running a fever while teething? You’re not alone. Many parents worry about this common issue. Teething is a normal process that begins around 6 months of age. This article will clear up myths about fever and teething.
Key Takeaways
- Teething doesn’t cause high fevers. A slight rise in temperature under 100.4°F may occur, but anything higher needs medical attention.
- Common teething symptoms include drooling, chewing, mild gum pain, fussiness, and swollen gums. High fevers, diarrhea, and diaper rash are not caused by teething.
- Teething rarely disrupts sleep patterns. Good sleep habits and routines are more important for a baby’s rest than teething discomfort.
- Safe ways to soothe teething pain include gum massage, chilled teething rings, and pain relievers like acetaminophen for babies over 6 months. Avoid benzocaine gels.
- Always consult a doctor if your baby has a fever over 100.4°F (under 3 months) or 104°F (older), shows signs of dehydration, or seems very ill during teething.
Understanding Teething
Teething is a normal part of a baby’s growth. It can be a tough time for both babies and parents.
Common Symptoms of Teething
Teething can be a tough time for babies and parents alike. Let’s look at the common signs that show your little one is getting new teeth.
- Drooling: Your baby may start drooling more than usual. This extra saliva can cause a rash on their face or chest.
- Chewing: Babies often want to bite or chew on things. They might gnaw on toys, fingers, or anything they can get their hands on.
- Gum pain: Some babies feel mild pain in their gums. But it’s not always there and doesn’t usually make them cry or lose sleep.
- Fussiness: Your baby might be more cranky than normal. They could get upset easier or need more comfort.
- Swollen gums: The area where the new tooth is coming in might look red or puffy.
- Rubbing face or ears: Babies may rub their cheeks or pull at their ears when teething.
- Slight change in eating habits: Some babies may eat less or refuse food when their gums hurt.
- Low-grade fever: A small rise in body heat can happen, but it’s not common. High fevers are not caused by teething.
These signs can vary from baby to baby. Now, let’s bust some myths about teething and fever.
Proven Symptoms vs. Myths
Let’s separate fact from fiction when it comes to teething symptoms. Many parents confuse normal baby behaviors with teething issues. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s real and what’s not:
| Proven Symptoms | Myths |
| Drooling | High fever |
| Swollen gums | Diarrhea |
| Chewing on objects | Diaper rash |
| Mild irritability | Runny nose |
| Slightly raised temperature (under 100.4°F) | Excessive crying |
Remember, a baby’s normal temperature can range from 97.7°F to 98.6°F. Anything above 100.4°F is a true fever and needs medical attention. Don’t chalk up every symptom to teething. Trust your gut and call the doctor if something seems off. Now, let’s dive deeper into some common myths about teething.
Debunking Major Teething Myths
Let’s bust some teething myths! Many old wives’ tales about teething need a reality check. We’ll tackle the big ones head-on and set the record straight.
Myth: Teething Causes Fevers
Many moms think teething causes fevers. This idea is wrong. Teething might make a baby fussy, but it doesn’t raise body heat. Fevers often happen when babies are 6 to 12 months old.
This timing matches when teeth come in, but it’s not the cause. Babies lose their mom’s antibodies at this age and start exploring more. This leads to more germs and possible infections.
Blaming teething for a fever can be risky. It might make you miss signs of a real illness. If your baby has a fever over 100.4°F or one that lasts more than a day, call the doctor.
Don’t assume it’s just teething. Your baby’s health is too important to guess. Always check with a pediatrician if you’re worried about a fever or other symptoms.
Myth: Teething Causes Diaper Rash
Teething doesn’t cause diaper rash. This myth has confused many new moms. Diaper rash happens for other reasons. It can be from irritation, heat, or food your baby eats. The rash shows up on your baby’s bottom, not in their mouth where teeth grow.
To avoid diaper rash, change wet diapers fast. Don’t let your baby sit in a dirty diaper. Use soap and water to clean your baby’s bottom. Wipes can sometimes make rash worse. If you see a rash, let your baby’s skin dry before putting on a new diaper.
These steps help keep your baby’s skin healthy.
Teething and diaper rash often happen at the same time. This is why some people think they’re linked. But they’re not. Your baby might drool more when teething. This can cause a rash on their face or neck.
But it won’t cause a rash in their diaper area. Let’s look at another common myth about teething.
Myth: Teething Results in Sleepless Nights
Moving on from diaper rash myths, let’s tackle another common belief about teething. Many parents think teething causes sleepless nights. But this idea isn’t backed by science.
Most kids don’t show big changes in sleep during teething. The pain from new teeth usually doesn’t last long. It often goes away in two or three days. Some babies might feel a bit cranky, but it rarely ruins their sleep.
Good sleep habits matter more than teething for a good night’s rest. A steady bedtime routine helps babies sleep better. Safe sleep practices are key too. These include putting babies on their backs in a crib without loose items.
If your baby seems extra fussy at night, don’t blame teething right away. Look for other causes first. Maybe they’re going through a growth spurt or learning a new skill. Sometimes, what looks like teething trouble is just normal baby behavior.
Remember, every baby is different. What works for one might not work for another. Trust your instincts and talk to your doctor if you’re worried.
When to Consult a Doctor
Teething can be tricky. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your baby’s symptoms are normal or need a doctor’s look. Keep an eye out for red flags that go beyond usual teething troubles.
Your gut feeling matters too – if something seems off, don’t hesitate to call the pediatrician.
Recognizing Symptoms That Warrant Medical Attention
Moms, keep a close eye on your little one during teething. Babies under 3 months with a fever over 100.4°F need a doctor’s check. For older babies, a temperature above 104°F is cause for concern.
If the fever sticks around for more than three days, it’s time to call the pediatrician. Don’t wait if your child seems very sick or hard to wake up.
Watch out for signs of dehydration too. These can include fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or sunken eyes. Trust your gut feeling. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe and get medical advice.
Remember, teething alone doesn’t cause high fevers or make babies extremely ill. So, if you see these symptoms, don’t brush them off as just teething troubles.
Managing Teething Discomfort
Teething can be tough on both babies and parents. But don’t worry! There are easy ways to help your little one feel better. Let’s explore some tricks to soothe those sore gums and bring smiles back to your baby’s face.
Effective Strategies for Soothing Teething Symptoms
Teething can be tough on both babies and moms. Here are some proven ways to ease your little one’s discomfort:
- Gum massage: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger for two minutes. This can help soothe sore spots and provide relief.
- Cool comfort: For babies over 12 months, wrap ice in a wet cloth and let them chew on it. The cold helps numb the pain and reduce swelling.
- Teething rings: Offer your baby a chilled (not frozen) teething ring. The cool temperature and pressure can ease sore gums.
- Chilled fruit: If your child is over a year old, try giving them a cold banana to chew on. The soft texture and cool temp can be soothing.
- Pain relief: For babies over six months, you can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for short-term pain relief. Always follow the dosage instructions.
- Avoid benzocaine: Skip teething gels with benzocaine. These can be harmful to your baby and aren’t recommended by doctors.
- Breast milk ice cubes: If you’re breastfeeding, try freezing some breast milk in ice cube trays. Wrap the frozen cubes in cloth for a natural teether.
- Distraction: Sometimes, taking your baby’s mind off the pain helps. Try singing, playing, or going for a walk to distract them.
- Extra cuddles: Your baby might need more comfort during teething. Give them extra hugs and attention to help them feel better.
- Cold spoon: Chill a metal spoon in the fridge (not freezer) and let your baby chew on the rounded end. The cool metal can soothe sore gums.
Conclusion
Teething myths can lead parents astray. Don’t let fear cloud your judgment. Trust your instincts and watch for real signs of illness. When in doubt, call your doctor. They’re there to help you navigate this exciting time in your baby’s life.
Remember, every child is unique, and so is their teething journey.
FAQs
1. Does teething really cause fever in babies?
Contrary to popular belief, teething doesn’t directly cause fever. When baby teeth start poking through, it might bump up body temperature a tad, but not enough to hit fever territory. If your little one’s running hot, it’s likely due to something else, like a cold or ear infection.
2. How can I tell if my baby’s discomfort is from teething or illness?
It’s tricky! Teething can make babies fussy and cause gum pain, but it won’t spike their temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If your munchkin’s burning up beyond that, give your pediatrician a ring. They’re the pros at figuring out what’s really cooking.
3. Are numbing agents safe for teething babies?
Hold your horses on those numbing gels! The FDA warns against using products with benzocaine or lidocaine for teething tots. These can lead to serious health issues. Instead, try chilling a teether in the fridge. It’s safer and just as effective for soothing those angry gums.
4. Can teething affect a baby’s immune system?
Teething itself doesn’t weaken the immune system. But the stress and lack of sleep that often come with it might make your little one more susceptible to catching bugs. Keep up with regular hand-washing and avoid exposing your teething tyke to sick folks.
5. How long does teething typically last?
Buckle up, parents! Teething is a marathon, not a sprint. It usually kicks off around 6 months and can last until age 3 when all 20 primary teeth have made their grand entrance. Each tooth might take a few days to a week to pop through. Patience is key!
6. Should I take my teething baby to a pediatric dentist?
You bet! It’s smart to schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. A pediatric dentist can check on those pearly whites, offer tips on oral care, and nip any potential issues in the bud. Better safe than sorry when it comes to those tiny chompers!