dental hygiene
Your baby is chewing on everything, drooling through another shirt, and suddenly feels warm. Teething seems like the obvious answer. But does teething actually cause a fever?
A Slight Temperature Rise Is Different
A mild increase in temperature can happen during teething. It usually stays below the fever range and settles as the baby gets more comfortable.
And this is where parents sometimes get stuck. They feel a warm forehead and assume the tooth is responsible. Use a thermometer instead. Your hand isn’t accurate enough for this.
What If Your Baby Has a Fever?
A fever usually points to an illness or infection rather than teething. Babies pick up infections easily because they’re still building their immune defenses, and those infections can happen at exactly the same time a new tooth appears.
How to Tell What’s Really Going On
Look at your baby as a whole, not just the thermometer. A baby with sore gums may be cranky but still interested in feeding and playing at times. A baby with an infection may seem much more tired or generally unwell.
When to Call the Doctor
A new tooth can explain a cranky baby. It shouldn’t get blamed for a genuine fever without a second thought. After all, if the thermometer says fever, why give the tooth an alibi?
Disclaimer
The information shared in our articles is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Every smile is unique, and only a qualified dental professional can assess your individual oral health needs. If you have any concerns, please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist.
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