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Does Baby Teething Cause Fever? 5 Things You Need to Know
Chances are, you are excited about the milestones your baby is making, whether it’s sitting up or babbling. But one milestone often brings more challenges than excitement: teething. While it’s an essential step in your little one’s growth, it can also cause discomfort and fussiness. At Pearl Dental Care in Hamden, Connecticut, we’re here to support you and your baby through this stage. Here’s what you need to know about teething in newborns.
When does teething start?
Babies are born with 20 teeth, but they are stuck beneath the gum line. While teething can happen as early as 3 months, most baby teeth emerge between 6 and 24 months. Typically, the first teeth to appear are the front two bottom teeth. They are closely followed by the top front teeth (upper central incisors). The timing can vary from child to child, but many children have a complete set by age three.
What are the symptoms of teething?
When babies begin teething, their bodies respond to the pressure and irritation of new teeth breaking through the gums. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive drooling
- Irritability, especially at night
- Disrupted sleeping patterns
- Tender or swollen gums
- Mild loss of appetite
- Gnawing or chewing on fingers and objects
Can teething cause fever?
Teething may cause a slight rise in body temperature, but it should not cause a true fever (defined as 100.4°F / 38°C or higher). If your child develops a fever during teething, it’s usually due to an unrelated infection, such as a cold or ear infection. In that case, it’s best to contact your pediatrician to rule out other causes.
How can I make teething easier?
Teething can be frustrating for parents, especially if you don’t know how to handle the discomfort. Sometimes you may try a solution recommended by a friend or family member, but it doesn’t seem to work. Luckily, there are ways you can soothe your child’s discomfort:Â
- Wipe drool: Gently wipe your baby’s face with a clean, damp cloth to protect their skin from rashes.Â
- Gentle gum massage: Rub your child’s gums with a clean finger.Â
- Cold comfort: A chilled (not frozen) teething ring, cold washcloth, or pacifier can soothe sore gums.
- Teething toys: Give your baby clean, safe teething rings or toys to chew on. Make sure it’s big enough that it can’t be swallowed and can’t break into small pieces.Â
- Distraction: Extra soothing, rocking, or cuddles can help when your baby feels fussy.
- Medication: If your baby is cranky and is over six months, you may give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but talk to your doctor first.
Avoid teething gels with benzocaine, teething tablets, or home remedies your pediatrician doesn’t recommend.
How do I care for baby teeth?
Now that baby teeth have erupted, good care is essential for long-term oral health. Clean the tooth with a soft baby toothbrush and clean water. Don’t use toothpaste yet until your baby learns how to spit. When your child turns 2, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and encourage your baby to avoid swallowing.
Pediatric dental office near me
Pearl Dental Care is excited to be your preferred child-friendly dental office in Hamden, Connecticut, and the nearby locations. Call our office at (203) 285-8245 and schedule an appointment with our team. We have created a fun, relaxing environment to make pediatric dental visits fulfilling and stress-free.
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.