No, teething doesn’t cause a true fever; a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher points to illness, not teething.
Teething can make a baby drool, fuss, and gnaw on anything within reach. A slight rise on the thermometer may pop up near a new tooth, but true fever is different. Fever means the body is fighting an infection. That line matters, because blaming teething for high temps can delay care for ear infections, flu, or other bugs. This guide shows you how to spot the difference, what to try at home, and when to call the doctor.
Teething Vs Illness: Fast Symptom Guide
| Symptom | Seen With Teething? | What It Suggests |
|---|---|---|
| Drooling | Yes, common | Normal gum irritation |
| Chewing on hands/toys | Yes | Self-soothing for sore gums |
| Red, swollen gums | Yes | Tooth about to erupt |
| Fussiness, light sleep changes | Sometimes | Short-term discomfort |
| Temperature ≥100.4°F (38°C) | No | Likely illness; assess and call if needed |
| Runny nose or cough | Not from teething | Cold, allergies, or other infection |
| Diarrhea | No | Gastro bug, diet change, or other cause |
| Rash on cheeks/chin | Yes | Drool irritation on skin |
| Refusing most feeds | Uncommon | Mouth pain, sore throat, or illness |
Can A Baby Get A Fever From Teething? Signs To Watch
The short answer is no. A baby can have warm cheeks and a minor bump in temperature during teething, but that does not cross the fever line. Medical groups define fever as 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. That cutoff helps parents act with confidence. If the number meets or passes that mark, think infection until proven otherwise.
How you measure matters. Rectal thermometers give the most reliable reading in infants. Oral readings are for older kids. Ear and forehead scanners can help, but technique and device quality change the number. If a reading seems off, recheck with a rectal thermometer before making a decision.
Professional guidance lines up on this point. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that teething does not cause fever, and the NHS says the same, listing common signs and safe ways to soothe them. You’ll find both linked below so you can read the full advice in plain language.
Can Babies Get A Fever From Teething – What Doctors Say
Large studies and clinic guidance agree: teething brings local mouth symptoms, not systemic fever. Mild temperature bumps happen around tooth eruption, but they stop short of a true fever. In research that tracked babies day by day, fever did not track with tooth cutting. That pattern explains why many pediatric visits end with a diagnosis like an ear infection when a parent first suspected teething.
So the practical rule is simple. If your baby feels warm and the thermometer reads under 100.4°F (38°C), think teething or another mild cause. If the number reaches that fever line—or your baby looks unwell—treat it as illness and use the steps below.
What Mild Teething Looks Like Day To Day
Teething usually starts around six months, then continues off and on through the second year. A typical day during a tooth push looks like this: more drool, hands in the mouth, extra chewing, and sore gums that look red or puffy. Feedings might slow for a day. Sleep can be a bit bumpy. Through it all, your baby should still have moments of play, brief smiles, and interest in you.
Common Teething Signs You Can Expect
- Chewing on toys, teething rings, or your finger.
- Drool that can chafe the cheeks and chin.
- Gums that look swollen or tender, sometimes with a small white nub.
- Short spells of fussing that settle with cuddles, pressure on the gums, or a cold teether.
- Light sleep disruption for a night or two.
If symptoms go beyond this list—high temps, deep cough, wheeze, hard crying that won’t settle, fewer wet diapers—step out of the teething frame and check for illness.
What A Real Fever Looks Like
Fever itself is a sign, not a diagnosis. The number tells you how fast to move and whom to call. Here are simple guardrails to use with your pediatrician’s advice:
Age-Based Fever Rules
- Under 3 months: Any fever at or above 100.4°F (38°C) needs urgent medical contact.
- 3 to 6 months: Fever at or above 100.4°F (38°C) with poor feeding, low energy, or breathing trouble needs prompt care.
- Over 6 months: Call if fever reaches 102.2°F (39°C), lasts longer than two days, or comes with red flags like a stiff neck, rash, or dehydration.
Watch behavior as much as the reading. A baby who drinks, pees, smiles a bit, and settles between bouts of crankiness usually handles a virus at home. A baby who looks listless, has dry diapers, or cries without pause needs a closer look.
Safe Relief That Helps Sore Gums
Most babies need simple comfort, not medicines. Cold and pressure calm the nerves in the gums. Pain relievers have a place when discomfort keeps a baby from drinking or sleeping. Skip numbing gels with benzocaine and skip teething necklaces; both carry safety risks. The options below are tried and practical.
| Method | How To Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clean finger massage | Wash hands; rub gums with firm, gentle pressure for 1–2 minutes | Quick relief on the spot |
| Chilled teething ring | Refrigerator cold, not frozen; offer in short sessions | Avoid liquid-filled rings that can leak |
| Cold wet washcloth | Twist and chill; let baby gnaw under supervision | Texture adds pressure relief |
| Breastfeeding or bottle | Offer smaller, more frequent feeds | Warmth and sucking soothe |
| Pain reliever | Use weight-based acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by your clinician | Check dosing and age limits |
| Skin barrier for drool rash | Pat dry and apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly | Protects cheeks and chin |
| Cool spoon | Chill a metal spoon; let baby mouth it with you right there | Never freeze solid |
When To Call The Doctor Or Seek Care
Pick up the phone if any of these show up. The goal is simple: fast care when signs point away from teething.
- Fever at or above 100.4°F (38°C), or any fever in a baby under three months.
- Hard crying that lasts more than two hours despite comfort steps.
- Breathing trouble, blue lips, or fast breathing at rest.
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, tearless crying, or fewer than three wet diapers in 24 hours.
- Stiff neck, unusual rash, or a seizure.
- Pain that stops your baby from drinking, or worsening mouth sores.
Can A Baby Get A Fever From Teething? What You Can Do Right Now
Start with a clear reading. Use a rectal thermometer for infants. If the number is under 100.4°F (38°C) and your baby acts mostly like themself, reach for cold and pressure tricks. If the number meets or passes the fever line, think illness. Offer fluids, dress in light layers, and call your clinic for next steps.
Simple At-Home Plan
- Take a fresh temperature with the right device.
- If no fever, try a chilled teether or finger massage for two minutes.
- Wipe drool often and use a thin layer of barrier ointment on cheeks.
- Feed smaller amounts more often to stay hydrated.
- If discomfort blocks sleep or feeds, use weight-based pain reliever as advised by your clinician.
- Recheck symptoms every few hours and repeat comfort steps.
- Call your pediatrician if the number hits fever range or your gut says the picture looks wrong.
Reliable Guidance You Can Trust
For clear, parent-friendly direction on what teething does and doesn’t cause, read the AAP’s guidance on teething symptoms and care at HealthyChildren.org. For a step-by-step overview of teething signs and soothing tips, see the NHS teething page. Both sources explain why a temperature at or above 100.4°F (38°C) needs a different plan than teething care.
Can A Baby Get A Fever From Teething? It’s a common search because timing overlaps: teeth start to erupt at the same ages when many viruses pass through homes and daycares. Clear definitions and a simple plan keep you on track. With a good thermometer and the relief steps above, you’ll spot real fever fast, soothe sore gums well, and steer your baby through each new tooth with confidence.