It is 2 AM. Your baby is crying, their cheeks feel warm to the touch, and when you peek inside their mouth, you can see red, swollen gums. Your mind races: Is this just teething? Should I be worried about this fever? Do I need to call the doctor right now?
If you are reading this with a fussy baby in your arms, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and you are about to get the answers you need.
Here is the truth about fever and teething: While teething can cause a slight rise in your baby’s body temperature, it does not cause a true fever. If your baby has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher, something else is going on and it’s important to know the difference.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly when to relax, when to call the doctor, and how to help your little one feel better.
The Teething Truth: Does Teething Really Cause Fever?
What Science Actually Says
For generations, parents and grandparents have blamed fevers on teething. But here’s what medical research shows: teething does not cause true fever.
A landmark study from 2011 (Ramos-Jorge et al.,2011) followed 47 babies every single day for eight months, checking their temperature each time a tooth came in. The researchers found that babies did have a slight increase in body temperature on the day before and the day a tooth erupted—but it wasn’t high enough to be considered a fever.
Earlier research from 2000 (Macknin et al.,2000) confirmed that while teething causes mild temperature elevation, it does not cause true fever.
So what counts as a fever? Healthcare providers define true fever as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Anything below that might be an elevated temperature, but it’s not a fever.
How to Take your Baby’s Temperature Accurately
For infants, how you measure temperature matters. A “fever” is generally 100.4°F / 38°C or higher, but accuracy depends on the method and baby’s age. Rectal readings are considered the most accurate for young infants, especially under 3 months.
Understanding Temperature Ranges
Let’s break this down so it’s crystal clear:
- Normal Temperature: 97.7°F to 98.6°F (36.5°C to 37°C) – Your baby is perfectly healthy. Nothing to worry about.
- Elevated Temperature: 98.7°F to 100.3°F (37°C to 37.9°C) – This could be related to teething. Monitor at home and keep your baby comfortable.
- Fever: 100.4°F to 103.9°F (38°C to 39.9°C) – This is NOT from teething. If your baby is under 3 months old, call your doctor immediately. For older babies, call if the fever lasts more than 24-48 hours or if you notice other concerning symptoms.
- High Fever: 104°F (40°C) or higher – Seek medical help right away, regardless of your baby’s age.
Why Does the Myth Persist?
You might be thinking, “But my baby ALWAYS gets a fever when teething!” Here’s why it seems that way:
Babies typically start teething around 6 months old—the exact same time their immune system goes through a major change. The protective antibodies they received from you in the womb start to wear off, making them more vulnerable to infections.
Prospective research has found no strong link between tooth eruption and serious symptoms like high fever. (Wake et al., 2000)
Plus, teething babies are constantly putting their hands and toys in their mouths, which means they’re exposed to more germs than ever before.
So yes—your baby might get a fever while they’re teething. But the fever is caused by a virus or infection, not the tooth itself. Trusted pediatric sources are clear: teething does not cause a true fever, and blaming fever on teething can delay care for infections. (Schmitt, n.d.)
Real Teething Symptoms: What to Actually Expect
So if fever is not a teething symptom, what is normal? Here is what you can truly expect when your baby is cutting a tooth.
Proven Teething Signs
- Excessive Drooling – Get ready to go through a lot of bibs! More than half of all teething babies become little drool machines. All that extra saliva can sometimes cause a mild rash on their chin, cheeks, or neck.
- Mild Fussiness and Irritability – Your normally happy baby might be a bit crankier than usual. They may want extra cuddles or have trouble settling down. But this should be manageable fussiness—not hours of inconsolable crying.
- Constant Desire to Chew – Everything goes in the mouth: toys, your fingers, the edge of their blanket. Your baby is trying to put pressure on those sore gums, and chewing feels good
- Gum Rubbing or Cheek Pulling – You might notice your baby rubbing their gums with their fingers or even tugging at their ears or cheeks. The discomfort can radiate, making them touch all around the area.
- Swollen, Red Gums – If you peek inside your baby’s mouth, you might see red, puffy gums where the tooth is about to break through. Sometimes you can even see a little white bump—that’s the tooth making its debut!
- Slight Sleep Disruption – Your baby might wake up once or twice more than usual, but teething shouldn’t cause severe or long-lasting sleep problems.
- Very Slight Temperature Rise (under 100.4F) – As we discussed, your baby’s temperature might tick up a bit, but it should stay under 100.4°F.
What Teething Does NOT Cause
Research consistently (Memarpour et al., 2015) shows no association between teething and high fever. Let’s bust some myths once and for all:
- High Fever (100.4F or above)
- Diarrhea or Vomiting
- Runny Nose or Cough
- Severe, Prolonged Crying
- Complete Loss of Appetite
If your baby has any of these symptoms, Call your pediatrician.
When Do Teeth Come In?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months old, but the range is wide—anywhere from 4 to 15 months is normal. (Some babies are even born with a tooth or two!)
The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom front teeth (central incisors), followed by the top front teeth. Then come the side teeth, canines, and finally the molars.
By the time your child is about 3 years old, they should have a complete set of 20 baby teeth.
The good news? The discomfort for each tooth typically lasts only 3 to 5 days—right before and as the tooth breaks through the gum. Once it’s out, your baby usually feels much better.
Teething vs. Illness: How to Tell the Difference
This is the million-dollar question: Is my baby just teething, or is something else wrong?
Red Flags That Mean It is NOT Just Teething
Call Your Doctor Immediately If:
- Your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher
- Your baby of any age has a fever of 104°F or higher
- The fever lasts more than 24 hours (for babies under 2) or 72 hours (for older babies)
- Your baby is extremely lethargic or difficult to wake
- Your baby refuses all liquids and shows signs of dehydration (few wet diapers, no tears when crying, sunken soft spot)
- Your baby has a fever AND a rash
- Your baby has difficulty breathing
- Your baby has been crying inconsolably for hours
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:
- Your baby has a temperature between 100.4°F and 103.9°F that doesn’t respond to medication
- Your baby has diarrhea or vomiting along with fever
- Your baby has a persistent cough or runny nose
- Your baby is pulling at their ear with a fever (possible ear infection)
- Your baby seems unusually irritable for several days in a row with no tooth in sight
The Overlap Problem
Here’s something that confuses many parents: Your baby can be teething AND sick at the same time.
Just because you see a swollen gum doesn’t mean that’s causing all the symptoms. A baby with a new tooth coming in can also catch a cold or develop an ear infection.
Never blame everything on teething. Always consider other possibilities, especially if symptoms are severe or lasting.
A Real Parent’s Story
Sarah thought her 8-month-old daughter Emma was just having a rough time with teething. Emma had been fussy for two days, felt warm, and kept pulling at her ear. Sarah gave her some baby Tylenol and figured it would pass.
But on day three, Emma’s temperature hit 101.5°F. Sarah called the pediatrician, who discovered Emma had an ear infection. After antibiotics, Emma was back to her happy self within 24 hours.
The lesson? Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always better to check with your doctor. You know your baby best.
Safe and Effective Teething Relief Methods
Now let’s talk about what actually works to make your baby more comfortable.
What WORKS (Evidence -Based Relief)
1. Gum Massage
This is the simplest, safest, and most effective method. Here’s how:
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Gently rub your baby’s sore gums with your clean finger for about 2 minutes
- You can also use a piece of damp gauze
- For extra relief, chill your hands with cold water first
- Do this as often as your baby needs it
The pressure feels good and helps ease the discomfort. Bonus: It prepares your baby for future tooth brushing!
2. Cold (Not Frozen!) Items
- Chilled teething ring: Put it in the refrigerator (never the freezer) for 15-30 minutes
- Damp washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out, and chill it in the fridge. Let your baby chew on it
- Cold spoon: Run a metal spoon under cold water and gently rub it on your baby’s gums
Important: Never give your baby anything frozen solid—it can cause frostbite on delicate gums and may crack or break.
3. Safe Chewing Objects
- Firm rubber teething rings
- Silicone teethers designed for babies
- A clean, damp washcloth
- For babies 12 months and older: Pieces of chilled (not frozen) banana or other soft foods
4. Pain Medication (When Necessary)
Sometimes, despite all your efforts, your baby is still uncomfortable. In those cases:
- Baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for babies 2 months and older
- Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be used for babies 6 months and older
- Always consult your pediatrician for proper dosing based on your baby’s weight
- Use medication sparingly—save it for when your baby really needs it, not as the first option
What to AVOID
Some products and remedies are dangerous for babies. Avoid these:
Dangerous Teething Products
- Numbing Gels with Benzocaine or Lidocaine – Benzocaine has been linked to methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that reduces how well blood carries oxygen—this is why major health agencies advise against benzocaine teething gels for young children. FDA Warning
- Teething Tablets with Belladonna – Belladonna is a poisonous plant. Some homeopathic teething tablets contain it, and they’ve been linked to serious side effects.
- Teething Necklaces or Jewelry – These pose strangulation and choking hazards. The FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advise against them.
- Frozen-Solid Items – Ice, frozen teething rings, and popsicles can cause frostbite on your baby’s sensitive gums.
- Alcohol on the Gums – Even if your grandmother swears by it, rubbing whiskey or any alcohol on your baby’s gums is dangerous and can cause poisoning.
- Hard Foods That Can Break – Raw carrots, celery, and other hard foods can break into chunks and become choking hazards.
Nighttime Teething Strategies
Nighttime can be especially tough when your baby is teething. Try these tips:
- Give a gentle gum massage before bedtime
- Keep a chilled teething ring in a mini-fridge near your baby’s room for quick access
- Use a white noise machine to help soothe your baby back to sleep
- Offer extra comfort—sometimes a little extra rocking or cuddling is all they need
- Consider a slightly earlier bedtime if your baby seems extra tired from dealing with discomfort all day
When Teething Gets Tough: Support for Exhausted Parents
Let’s be honest: Caring for a teething baby is exhausting. The fussiness, the interrupted sleep, the constant worry—it takes a toll.
You’re not alone. Every parent goes through this, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
Remember: This is temporary. Each tooth typically causes discomfort for only 3 to 5 days. Yes, more teeth are coming, but there will be breaks in between. And honestly, your baby isn’t suffering as much as it might seem. The discomfort is mild for most babies.
Take Care of Yourself Too
- Tag-team with your partner or ask a family member to take a shift so you can rest
- Accept help when it’s offered—whether that’s someone holding the baby while you nap or bringing you a meal
- Lower your expectations for keeping the house perfect or completing your to-do list
- Trust that this will pass—before you know it, you’ll be dealing with the challenges of a toddler instead!
Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician
At your next appointment, consider asking:
- What’s the best pain relief option for my baby’s age and weight?
- How can I tell if my baby’s symptoms are from teething or something else?
- When should I schedule our first dental visit?
- Are there any teething products you specifically recommend or warn against?
Keeping a simple symptom log (date, time, temperature, behaviors) can help you and your doctor identify patterns.
Beyond Teething: Setting Up Oral Health Success
“They’re just going to fall out anyway, right?” Actually, baby teeth (also called primary or deciduous teeth) are incredibly important:
- They hold space for permanent teeth to come in properly
- They help your child learn to speak clearly
- They enable your child to chew food properly for good nutrition
- Healthy baby teeth mean fewer orthodontic problems later
When baby teeth are lost too early—usually due to cavities or injury—the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space. This crowds out the permanent teeth and can lead to expensive orthodontic treatment down the road.
Starting Dental Care Early
Start caring for those teeth the moment they appear:
- First dental visit: Schedule this by your baby’s first birthday or when the first tooth comes in, whichever happens first
- Begin brushing immediately: Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with a tiny smear (rice-grain size) of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3
- Make it fun: Sing songs, make silly faces, let your baby hold their own toothbrush while you do the real brushing
- Establish a routine: Brush in the morning and before bed every day
Early dental visits help catch problems before they become serious, and they help your child become comfortable with the dentist from the start.
Your Action Plan: What to Do Right Now
Remember These Key Points:
- Teething causes slight temperature rise (under 100.4F), NOT true fever
- If baby has fever of 100.4F or higher, see doctor—it is not from teething
- Gum massage and cold items work best for relief
- Avoid benzocaine gels and teething necklaces
- Most teething discomfort lasts only 3-5 days per tooth
- Trust your parental instincts
- For more teething solutions, check out our guide to baby teething remedies
Your Immediate To-Do List:
- Take your baby’s temperature accurately
- If 100.4F or higher, call pediatrician today
- If under 100.4F, try gum massage and cold washcloth
- Monitor symptoms for 24-48 hours
- Schedule baby’s first dental visit
- Throw away benzocaine gels or teething necklaces
Teething is a natural, normal part of your baby’s development. Yes, it comes with some challenges, but armed with the right information, you can handle it confidently.
Can Teething Cause a Fever?
Teething can cause a slight rise in temperature within the normal range, but research shows it does not cause a true fever. If your baby’s temperature is ≥100.4°F (38°C), treat it as possible illness/infection—not “just teething”—and follow age-based guidance. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2025)
What Temperature Counts as a Fever in Babies?
In general, a baby has a fever when the temperature is ≥100.4°F (38°C). A rectal temperature is the most reliable for infants (especially under 3 months). Normal rectal temperatures can vary and may go up to about 100.3°F (37.9°C) later in the day. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2025)
How do I take my Baby’s Temperature Accurately?
Use a digital thermometer. For infants and young children, a rectal temperature is the most reliable. Avoid relying on touch or “fever strips,” which are not accurate. Also avoid ear thermometers for babies under 6 months, because the ear canal may be too small for accurate readings. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2025)
When Should I call a Doctor for Fever?
– Under 3 months: A fever (≥100.4°F / 38°C) needs urgent medical advice.
– Under 6 months: Babies should be seen by a doctor when they have a fever.
– Older babies/children: Seek care sooner if the fever lasts more than 48–72 hours, or if your child seems very unwell (very sleepy, breathing trouble, rash with fever, not drinking). (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2025)
Can Teething cause Diarrhea or a Runny Nose?
No—trusted pediatric sources note that teething does not cause fever, diarrhea, diaper rash, or a runny nose. If these show up, look for another cause (like a virus) rather than assuming it’s teething. (Seattle Children’s Hospital, 2025)
Are Teething Gels Safe?
FDA warns against using products with benzocaine for children under 2, and recommends not using oral viscous lidocaine for teething pain in infants/children due to serious harm. Pediatric guidance also warns benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia (reduced oxygen in blood). Safer options include gum massage and a chilled teether. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2018)
References
- Ramos-Jorge, J., Pordeus, I. A., Ramos-Jorge, M. L., & Paiva, S. M. (2011). Prospective longitudinal study of signs and symptoms associated with primary tooth eruption. Pediatrics, 128(3), 471–476. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-2697
- Macknin, M. L., Piedmonte, M., Jacobs, J., & Skibinski, C. (2000). Symptoms associated with infant teething: a prospective study. Pediatrics, 105(4 Pt 1), 747–752. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.105.4.747
- Wake, M., Hesketh, K., & Lucas, J. (2000). Teething and tooth eruption in infants: A cohort study. Pediatrics, 106(6), 1374–1379. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.106.6.1374
- Memarpour, M., Soltanimehr, E., & Eskandarian, T. (2015). Signs and symptoms associated with primary tooth eruption: a clinical trial of nonpharmacological remedies. BMC oral health, 15, 88. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-015-0070-2
- Schmitt, B. (n.d.). Fever. KidsDoc Symptom Checker, HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Fever
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018, May 23). Risk of serious and potentially fatal blood disorder prompts FDA action on oral over-the-counter benzocaine products used for teething and mouth pain and prescription local anesthetics. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/risk-serious-and-potentially-fatal-blood-disorder-prompts-fda-action-oral-over-counter-benzocaine
- Seattle Children’s Hospital. (2025, January 25). Teething. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/teething/
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025, September 23). Fever and your baby. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-and-Your-Baby.aspx