Teething Doesn’t Cause Fevers — and Other Myths To Sink Your Teeth Into

Teething is a big milestone — and one that gets a bad rap. Teething is often unfairly blamed for almost everything, from fevers to diaper rashes.

What side effects does teething actually cause? And what’s overstated?

We asked pediatrician Lisa Diard, MD, to separate teething fact from fiction, so you know what to really expect.

Is your baby teething or sick?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids who are teething “are little different from kids who are not teething.” In other words, unlike illness, teething shouldn’t cause major changes to your baby’s mood, sleep or daily routine.

“Teething can cause mild gum discomfort for babies, but it shouldn’t be anything that severely derails their regular mood or schedule,” Dr. Diard agrees.

Teething symptoms

The signs of teething are there. But like that tooth that’s about to erupt, they may simmer under the surface. Dr. Diard shares what to look for.

Lots of drool

Pack extra bibs. Teething babies are drool factories (even more so than usual, if you can believe it). That’s because saliva production increases before a tooth breaks through.

More chewing and gnawing

Teething babies can be even more likely than normal to put things in their mouths — fingers, toes, toys. Anything in reach is fair game. That’s because teething causes pressure in their gums, and biting helps relieve the discomfort.

You can help them find relief by allowing them to chew on a cold washcloth or a teething toy. Pay close attention so they don’t go gnawing on anything that can pose a choking risk.

Mild fussiness

A little irritability is normal when your baby is teething. Your baby may be clingier or seem “off.”

Mild fussiness tends to peak in the days right before a tooth breaks through and usually improves within three to four days.

Teething myths

Teething gets blamed for a lot, but it helps to remember this: Correlation doesn’t equal causation.

What does that mean? It means that babies get sick sometimes. They can get diaper rashes. They may have trouble sleeping. And those things can happen around the time when their teeth are coming in. But that doesn’t mean teething is causing those troubles.

With that in mind, let’s look at some common myths.

Myth: Teething causes fevers

Teething doesn’t cause fevers, but it may raise your baby’s temperature slightly.

Here’s the difference:

• A normal body temperature is generally around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).
• Fever is defined as 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.

Teething won’t cause a temperature that hits the threshold of a fever. But it could inch your child’s body temperature a bit higher than usual.

“If your baby has a fever of 100.4 F or higher, don’t ignore it and chalk it up to teething,” Dr. Diard advises. “A fever is a sign of an infection, not teething.”

Call your provider if your child:

• Is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 F or higher
• Has a fever for more than three days or doesn’t improve with medication
• Is hard to wake
• Isn’t drinking enough or shows signs of dehydration

Seek emergency care if your baby’s temperature is above 104 F (40 C).

Myth: Teething causes diaper rash

Some people will tell you that when your baby swallows that extra saliva during teething, it mixes up in their bellies and creates loose stool. And — as you probably know all too well — runny poop can be a diaper rash waiting to happen.

But the theory hasn’t proven out in research. So, if your baby has a diaper rash, you’ll want to consider a cause other than teething, like:

• Irritation from diapers or wipes
• Heat rash
• Food sensitivities
• Laundry detergents used on cloth diapers

Prevent diaper rash by changing diapers quickly when they’re wet or soiled. If a rash develops, clean their behind with mild soap and water and apply an ointment that contains zinc oxide.

Myth: Teething disrupts sleep

Sleep issues can happen for all kinds of reasons, but teething isn’t usually one of them.

“Some people worry teething is causing their baby too much pain for them to sleep well,” Dr. Diard acknowledges. “But the discomfort of teething is pretty mild. It shouldn’t affect sleep.”

Help your baby get better rest by keeping a consistent bedtime routine and following safe sleep practices.

Final thoughts

Teething shouldn’t be a big to-do. A little drool, chewing and fussiness are normal, but anything more than that deserves extra attention.

If your baby seems unusually sick or uncomfortable, reach out to your child’s healthcare provider. They can help you find the real cause — and help your little one feel better sooner.