How to tell if your baby is sick or teething:

1. Pay attention to other symptoms: If your baby is experiencing symptoms such as coughing, congestion, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, it may indicate an illness rather than teething.

2. Monitor the duration of symptoms: Teething symptoms usually last for a few days to a week, while illnesses may persist longer. If your baby’s symptoms continue for an extended period, consult a healthcare provider.

3. Trust your instincts: As a parent, you know your baby best. If you sense that something is not right or if your baby’s behavior is out of the ordinary, seek medical advice.

4. Consider the baby’s behavior: If your baby is still playful, eating well, and engaging in usual activities, it is more likely that they are teething. On the other hand, if they are lethargic, irritable, and have a high fever, it may indicate an illness.

5. Seek professional advice: If you are unsure whether your baby is sick or teething, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and ensure your baby receives appropriate care.

How Can We Help With Teething Discomfort?

To assist a teething baby, consider the following:

• Massage their gums with clean fingers
• Apply a cold washcloth
• Offer cold foods
• Provide appropriate teething rings or toys
• Consider using acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Things to avoid:

• Avoid teething necklaces or amber beads due to choking hazards
• Avoid medications containing lidocaine or benzocaine

Comfort Measures For Accompanying Symptoms

If your baby displays common teething symptoms:

Diarrhea

If your baby experiences diarrhea during teething, assume it is viral and contagious. Emphasize hygiene and hydration to prevent dehydration and diaper rashes.

• Use warm water on soft cloths instead of commercial wipes
• Apply protective or barrier ointment during diaper changes
• Provide ample air time for diapered areas

Runny Nose and/or Drooling

Maintain dryness across the nose, mouth, and chin to prevent chapped skin. Use vaseline or aquaphor to alleviate chafing.

Rash

Rashes should not be immediately attributed to teething. Rashes commonly associated with viruses may be harmless but require professional evaluation. Consult a doctor for a thorough assessment.

Important information is accessible through the Kinsa app. Update your baby’s symptoms and temperature for personalized assistance.

Teething can result in irritability and discomfort. Look out for signs like excessive drooling, swollen gums, fussiness, and irritability in your baby.

Consult pediatrician Aubrey Bonhivert, MD, for expert guidance on teething and fevers.

Why Do Babies’ Temperatures Rise When Teething?

Research indicates that teething may lead to elevated temperatures, but not actual fevers. This is due to the inflammation and irritation in the gums as the teeth push through, causing a slight increase in body temperature. It is important for parents to differentiate between the teething-related warmth and a true fever, as a fever can be a sign of an infection or illness.

If you are uncertain about your baby’s symptoms, it is always best to seek guidance from a healthcare provider. They can provide a proper assessment and recommend the appropriate course of action for your child’s health and comfort.

Does Teething Cause Fevers?

Teething does not cause colds, rashes, diarrhea, or fevers. Monitor for other symptoms that could indicate an underlying illness.

Seek medical attention if a fever persists or if other concerning symptoms develop.

Always consult a healthcare professional if unsure.

What Are Common Teething Symptoms?

Teething babies may exhibit symptoms such as fussiness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, loss of appetite, inflamed gums, and increased drooling. Some babies may also experience mild fever, diaper rash, or sleep disturbances, but these symptoms are not definitively linked to teething.

How Can I Soothe My Teething Baby?

Alleviate teething discomfort with chew toys, cold items, and gentle massage techniques.

• Opt for solid teething rings over liquid-filled ones.
• Consider chewy toys made of silicone or latex.
• Use a clean finger to provide gentle relief.

For older infants, introduce frozen fruits or a sippy cup of cool water.

**Avoid teething necklaces due to safety concerns**

Other remedies for teething discomfort include:

• Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a moistened gauze pad
• Letting your baby chew on a clean, cool object like a chilled teething ring or cold washcloth
• Offering your baby cold, soft foods like yogurt or applesauce
• Using a clean, wet washcloth to wipe away excess drool to prevent skin irritation

Remember to always supervise your baby while using these remedies and consult with your pediatrician before trying any new medication or treatment.

Invest In Your Child’s Health

Your child’s well-being is a priority. Rely on our network of pediatric experts to guide you through the process.

Prepare for your baby’s first tooth. Teething marks a significant milestone but can present challenges.

Discover teething symptoms and relief strategies in this comprehensive guide.

Teething Signs and Symptoms:

• Irritability and fussiness
• Drooling
• Swollen gums
• Chewing on objects
• Difficulty sleeping

Pain Relief Remedies:

1. Chilled teething rings or toys
2. Gentle gum massage with clean fingers
3. Cold washcloth to chew on
4. Over-the-counter infant pain relievers (consult with pediatrician first)

Remember, every baby is different, so it’s important to find what works best for your little one during this teething phase. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our pediatric experts for personalized guidance and support.

When do babies start teething? [1,2,3]

A baby’s first tooth typically emerges between 4 and 7 months. Learn about the teething stages and what to anticipate.

What order do baby teeth come in? [3]

Track the gradual progression of teething as your baby’s teeth come in. Recognize symptoms associated with each stage to provide appropriate care.

Symptoms: Babies may exhibit increased irritability, trouble sleeping, elevated drooling, gum swelling, and a slight fever.

How long do teething symptoms last?

Teething symptoms usually manifest 3-5 days before a tooth emerges and can linger for a few days after. Some babies may experience symptoms for weeks. The teething process can span up to three years, with periods of discomfort and calm.

Signs of infant teething [1,3]

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Infants begin teething at varying times, but recognizing symptoms can aid in providing comfort. Common signs include fussiness, heightened crying, excessive drooling, and tender gums.

Acting cranky

Crying is a natural response to teething discomfort as teeth break through the gums.

Crying

Increased crying may occur as teeth push through the gums.

Drooling

A teething baby may exhibit more drooling than usual.

Wanting to chew on hard things

Babies might chew on objects to alleviate gum pressure. Ensure objects are safe to prevent choking hazards.

Having puffy, sore gums around lumps that feel hard to the touch

Tender and swollen gums may feature hard lumps where teeth are emerging. Refrain from harmful remedies like applying rubbing alcohol to the gums.

Experiencing a slight teething fever

A low-grade fever is normal during teething. Consult a pediatrician for high fever or diarrhea concerns.

Trouble sleeping

Teething can disrupt a baby’s sleep. Establish a bedtime routine and utilize teething rings for comfort.

Changes in appetite

A loss of appetite may occur during teething. Offer soft, cool foods and ensure adequate hydration.

Other common signs for how to tell if an infant is teething

Biting: Babies may bite on objects to relieve gum pressure.
Ear pulling or cheek rubbing: These actions may indicate radiating pain from the gums.
Facial rash: Persistent drooling can result in a rash around the mouth and chin.

Baby teething remedies & pain relief tips [1,3]

Various remedies are available to alleviate teething discomfort during this challenging phase.

Massage your baby’s gums

Massage the gums with a clean finger or offer a teething ring for relief. The pressure can help soothe the discomfort.

Try a cold teething ring or washcloth

Chill teething items in the refrigerator, but avoid freezing them completely. The cool temperature can numb the gums and alleviate pain.

Offer chilled foods

Introduce chilled foods to a baby transitioning to solids for gum relief under supervision.

Use a cold spoon

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Use a cool spoon against the gums for soothing relief.

Give your infant pain medicine for their teething pain

Acetaminophen can be administered for teething pain. Consult a pediatrician before giving any medication.

Keep your baby’s face clean

Ensure the baby’s face remains clean and dry to prevent a facial rash resulting from increased drooling.

What to avoid [1,3]

Avoid specific teething products for babies under 2 years to prevent potential adverse effects.

Additional tips for soothing a teething infant

Teething toys can offer distraction and gum relief. Additional tips include gentle bathing, comfort, hydration, and gentle brushing.

If you have any questions, talk to your pediatrician

Consult a pediatrician for severe symptoms to ensure the baby’s comfort and well-being during teething.