When a baby’s first teeth start appearing through the gums, usually around six months old, it is called teething. Signs like drooling, discomfort, and irritability may suggest teething. The bottom front teeth usually come in first. While teething can cause a slight rise in temperature, it is not enough to cause a fever. If your baby has a fever during teething, it is likely due to another unrelated illness.
When Does Teething Start in Babies?
Teething usually begins around six months of age but can vary. Symptoms of teething may include gum sensitivity, crying, and restlessness. Excessive crying might indicate an underlying issue other than teething.
Other ways to help teething babies include:
- Give your baby a clean and safe teething toy to chew on. Make sure it is made of non-toxic material.
- Apply a cold washcloth or a chilled, not frozen, teething ring to your baby’s gums.
- Offer cold foods like applesauce or yogurt to help soothe sore gums.
- Gently rub a small amount of clove oil on your baby’s gums. Make sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil first.
Remember to always supervise your baby when they are using teething toys or eating cold foods to prevent any choking hazards. If your baby is still experiencing severe teething pain, be sure to consult with your pediatrician for further advice.
Teething and Fever Connection
Teething does not directly cause fevers, colds, or rashes. If your baby has a fever along with other symptoms, seek medical advice. A fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit should not be attributed solely to teething.
Other Common Teething Symptoms
In addition to fever, teething can also cause symptoms such as drooling, irritability, and loss of appetite. Your baby may also experience swollen and tender gums, as well as increased chewing and biting on objects.
There are several ways to help alleviate teething discomfort for your baby. This includes using teething toys or rings, gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger, and offering cold objects for them to chew on such as a chilled washcloth or teething ring.
It’s important to provide comfort and support for your baby during the teething process. If you have any concerns about your baby’s symptoms or if they seem unusually severe, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Debunking Teething Myths
While teething can cause babies to feel warmer than usual, it does not cause actual fevers. Consult a healthcare professional if your baby has a persistent fever or any concerning symptoms.
Teething Symptoms in Babies
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fussiness
- Loss of appetite
- Irritated gums
- Increased drooling
- Swollen and red gums
- Cheek rubbing or ear pulling
- Biting or gnawing on objects
- Low-grade fever
Effective Ways to Soothe Teething Babies
Using chew toys, cold objects, and gentle massage can help alleviate teething discomfort. Avoid using teething necklaces or gels that may not be safe or effective.
Other methods to soothe teething babies include giving them a clean, wet washcloth to chew on, offering them chilled fruit or vegetable purees, or gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger. It’s important to provide safe and appropriate teething remedies to ensure your baby’s comfort.
Caution Against Teething Products
Teething gels and tablets may not provide significant relief and could contain harmful substances. Only use acetaminophen as directed by a pediatrician if other methods are not effective.
It is important to be cautious when using teething products, as some may not be safe for babies and young children. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new teething remedies. In addition to acetaminophen, there are other safe methods for relieving teething discomfort, such as using a clean, chilled teething ring or gently massaging the gums with a clean finger.
Investing in Your Child’s Well-being
Ensure your child’s well-being by seeking advice from experienced pediatricians to navigate through teething and other childhood issues.
If your baby is fussy at night, it could be due to teething or illness. Seek appropriate care and remember that this phase will pass.
After receiving conflicting advice about infant sleep training, take your time and don’t rush into extreme methods. Changes in your baby’s behavior may indicate an underlying problem.
In this article:
- Common beliefs about teething
- Typical age for teething to begin
- Signs of teething in babies
- Tips to help teething babies sleep better
- Indicators of illness in babies
- Personal experience with a 4-month-old baby’s changes
Regain control over your baby’s sleep patterns.
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Isn’t it always “teething”?
Many people tend to attribute various baby issues to teething, but teething discomfort is usually temporary and coincides with the appearance of teeth.
Don’t be fooled by “teething” symptoms that are not actually due to teething.
Around 3 months of age, babies go through developmental changes that may resemble teething symptoms. It is important to differentiate between normal development and teething discomfort for accurate evaluation.
Some common signs that may be mistaken for teething include increased drooling, fussiness, and disrupted sleep patterns. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other factors such as growth spurts or minor illnesses.
It is recommended to consult with a pediatrician if you are unsure about the cause of your baby’s symptoms. They can provide guidance on how to identify teething discomfort and offer suggestions for relief, such as teething toys or cold washcloths.
Remember, teething is a natural part of a baby’s development, but not every issue should be automatically attributed to teething. By staying informed and seeking medical advice when needed, you can ensure that your baby receives the appropriate care and attention.
So when do babies start teething?
Most babies get their first teeth around 6 months old, but the timing can vary. Look out for the bottom front teeth coming in as a typical teething sign.
Some babies may start teething as early as 3 months old, while others may not start until after their first birthday. Teething can be a difficult time for both babies and parents, with symptoms such as irritability, drooling, and chewing on objects.
It’s important to provide your baby with teething toys or cold objects to chew on to help alleviate discomfort. You can also gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger to help soothe them during this time.
If your baby is experiencing severe discomfort or if you have any concerns about their teething process, be sure to consult with your pediatrician for advice and guidance.
How can I tell if my baby is teething?
While baby teeth may emerge without pain, signs like red, tender gums, increased drooling, and chewing behavior can indicate teething discomfort.
Can teething cause vomiting?
Severe symptoms such as high fever or persistent vomiting are unlikely to be solely related to teething. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Can teething cause fever?
Teething-related temperature is usually mild. If the fever is high, seek medical advice to rule out other potential causes.
How to help a teething baby sleep better
Teething discomfort usually lasts for a short period and does not typically disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns. Establishing a consistent routine can help identify any underlying issues affecting your baby’s sleep.
So what SHOULD you look for if you suspect your baby is unwell?
Creating a stable sleep and feeding schedule is essential for monitoring your baby’s health. Use tools like our Little Ones App for effective management.
Take immediate steps to address your baby’s sleep challenges! Access our award-winning Sleep App for assistance.
Here is what happened to me and my little Charlie (when she was around 4 months old):
Recognizing changes in your baby’s behavior, especially related to sleep patterns, can help identify potential health issues early on.
Conclusion
Trust your intuition as a parent when it comes to your baby’s health. Seek medical advice if you are unsure about your baby’s well-being. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your little one’s health.
While teething can indeed cause a low-grade fever in babies, it is important to monitor other symptoms as well. Keep an eye out for other signs of illness, such as excessive fussiness, diarrhea, or a high fever, as these may indicate a more serious issue. If you have any concerns about your baby’s health, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Can Teething Cause Fever?
The connection between teething and fevers is often questioned. There is no evidence to suggest that teething causes a fever. High temperature in a baby could be due to an infection or illness. Fevers in young children can be caused by various illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. Teething is not a direct cause of fever, so consult a healthcare provider if your baby has a persistent fever or signs of illness.
Is My Baby Sick or Teething?
Although teething itself does not cause fevers, it often coincides with the time when babies are more susceptible to illnesses that can lead to a fever. If your baby has a fever during teething, it is more likely due to an illness. Teething coincides with other developmental stages that may expose babies to viral illnesses.
Remember that the process of baby teeth eruption continues into toddler years, so fevers in older babies and toddlers are not due to teething.
In Summary
Teething does not cause actual fevers in babies. A high temperature during teething is more likely due to another cause, such as a viral illness.
Do Babies Get a Temperature When Teething?
Teething may occasionally lead to a slightly elevated temperature, but it does not result in a high fever above 38 degrees Celsius in babies.
If your baby has a slightly raised temperature during teething, it is usually normal. However, a high fever above 38 degrees Celsius is not directly related to teething and may indicate a serious infection requiring medical attention.
In Summary
In rare instances, teething might cause a mild temperature increase. But a fever above 38 degrees Celsius is unlikely due to teething. Consult a healthcare professional if your baby has a high fever.
Teething Remedies for Babies
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Even though teething does not directly cause fever, babies may experience a slight temperature rise and other symptoms during teething. Some common teething symptoms include: