Baby “Teething Fever”: Look at the Facts behind It

It is true that a baby gives joy to an empty home. The day I gave birth to my little one, she was warm, cuddly and has a heavenly scent.  When she cast out her infectious smile, the whole room was contaminated. However, when that little white tooth popped out, the so-called “Teething Fever” started, and I thought I was doomed.

What is the relation of fever and baby teething? Let us find out!

Signs That Your Baby is Teething

Baby’s teeth start to come out around six months. When my baby had it, it was no longer a mystery to me. I knew about the usual signs, and was ready for it. The first few months were easy for me, but then it became tough after.

Well, it could be a different experience with your newborn, but for mine, I dealt with these symptoms:

• Drooling- saliva produces excessively
• checkTouchy- a baby could be irritable due to the discomfort
• checkFrequent Crying- the typical reaction when in pain
• checkChews and bites on anything she can put her hands on
• checkTeething rash

Can teething cause a fever?

It is just normal that a baby tends to have a slight rise (low grade) of body temperature during teething. It occurs mainly during the eruption of the tooth. When it happens, the gums are inflamed and causes pain to the baby.

I remember precisely that the gums were red and puffy while the drool seems to be non-stop. Therefore, I understood why I spent sleepless nights to comfort an irritable and crying baby who does not want to sleep alone. The agony lasts for 2-3 days before it subsides.

The “teething fever” will occur again when another tooth comes out. However, when the body temperature is 100 degrees F and above, there could be complications that caused infection. In this situation, the baby is sick and the “teething fever” has nothing to do with it.

To be clear, teething causes a slight rise in body temperature but not a fever.

How to tell if my baby is sick?

I thought that maybe during teething, my baby’s immune system lowers because of the stress out of pain and fewer nutrients intake. My newborn refuses to feed because the gums are swollen and aching. Often, the crankiness leads to another condition. These symptoms could be similar to teething, but when there is fever, you may need to give more attention. 

Here are signs that the baby is sick:

• Has a cough and a cold will lead to less appetite.
• checkVomiting and watery stool- is prone to dehydration.
• checkRashes can be an indication of allergies.
• checkHas a fever

Remedies for teething pain

A cranky baby affects not only me but also everyone at home. Too much time spent to calm her down so the daily routine is a disaster. Let me share with you some home remedies that I have learned to calm down your child. I hope these will be helpful to you as it did to me.

Chewing

It is best to give babies something to chew on. Chewing is a counter-pressure against the growing teeth. In every chew or bite, it provides pain relief to the gums. In this stage, babies tend to nibble their fingers.

I usually give slices of carrots, apples, and pear to my baby. I let her hold the fresh sticks or slices to nibble. Aside from relief, it serves as a toy and food at the same time. Chilling it before serving is a tip. The cold slices or teething rings help the swollen gums.

You can find a suitable teething ring here.

Massage to soothe sore gums

I do the massage technique mostly when at the bed. I put pressure on my baby’s gums by rubbing it gently. If you like to try this, make sure that your fingers are clean.

Sometimes, I place a washcloth inside the fridge to make it cool. I stick the washcloth or use it during the massage.

The use of pain relievers

REMEMBER that you can use pain relievers only when your baby is more than six months of age. Tylenol is the typical prescription of my pediatrician. These pain relievers are an immediate remedy for pain. However, you need to ask for the accurate dosage from the doctor.

A lukewarm bath

Can help as relief of baby’s rising temperature. Though “teething fever” does not qualify yet as a fever, bath and massage can calm her down after. 

Keep the Baby Hydrated

Providing enough fluid especially mother’s milk or baby formula is the best way to keep hydrated. Doing so, the baby’s body can fight back if she is sick.

Common mistakes

• Never use gel, teething tablets and powders to soothe sore gums for your baby. Aside from the fact that it is not helpful, it may contain belladonna and benzocaine. These medicines can make the gums numb and could be dangerous. The lowering of the oxygen level in the bloodstream is one of its side effects.
• checkAmber teething necklace inflicts risks of strangulation and choking. Babies who do not have proper monitoring are most in danger of this. The necklace does not have proof that it lessens teething discomforts. Better, look for other safe options.
• checkLow room temperature: When the body temperature rises, I usually turns the room temperature lower than usual. I thought this could make my baby feel cool and better. However, I was mistaken. The suitable room temperature for babies is around 65 degrees F. 

When is time to call a doctor?

Be aware of the difference between teething symptoms and your child being sick. Learn the right time to call a medical practitioner. However, take note that sometimes babies are too hot but no fever at all.

Here are some hints.

• Three months old and younger and has a temperature more than 100 degrees F.
• checkOlder than three months and has a temperature over 102 degrees F.
• checkThe fever is more than a day.
• checkHas frequent diarrhea, vomiting or rashes that is associated with fever.
• checkLethargy and Crankiness

Conclusion

I know that baby teething fever is the most challenging phase in babies is very challenging to moms. This will just pass by so there is nothing to worry. All you can do is to be the best in making your child comfortable. When those pearly white teeth come out, that means, it is time to have fun training your child how to brush.