Baby’s Teething Fever: Can Teething Cause Fever?

Worried your little one might have a teething fever as their pearly-whites start to make their appearance? Turns out, a little heat shouldn’t be a problem.
Your baby is fussy and drooling and chewing on pretty much everything they can get their hands on.

And now they’re adding a teething fever to the mix? Is this normal?

Okay, mama. Breathe.

Having a teething baby can be super stressful—and one of the hardest parts of all is knowing which symptoms are just run-of-the-mill agony and which ones are worth worrying about.

So, let’s dive into everything there is to know about baby teething fever.

In this article: 📝

Does teething cause fever?

So does teething cause fever?

The short answer is… not short.

Teething and fevers have a complicated relationship.

Why does teething cause fever?

The process of pushing out those 20 milk teeth is quite something.

That little body is going through a lot—and yes, it may respond by turning up the heat with a teething fever.

The American Academy of Pediatrics refers to a fever with teething as a “very slight increase in temperature” caused by the pain they’re experiencing.

But—and it’s a big one—a serious fever may be the result of another infection that requires immediate attention.

The difficulty is, it’s hard to know what’s what, whether it’s a teething fever or something else—particularly because they can’t exactly tell you what’s going on with them.

So how are you supposed to know if it’s baby’s teething fever (a very mild temperature rise while teething) or something more serious?

Do babies get high fever when teething?

Do babies get fevers when teething? Well, sometimes, but do they get high temperatures?

Generally speaking, no.

If you’re dealing with a baby fever, teething usually only brings up their temperature by a couple of degrees ‒ usually less than 100.4°F (which works out at 38°C).

Symptoms other than teething fever

When it comes to the teething process, besides a teething fever, here’s what else you’re looking for:

The average age to cut your first tooth is around 6 months, and the whole process usually lasts until they’re about 3 years old.

And when we’re looking at teething symptoms, fever is just a drop in the ocean!

Other teething symptoms include:

• Lots and lots and lots of drool.
  
• A teething rash in the mouth or neck area that forms as a result of all that drool.
  
• Sore, swollen gums.
  
• A whole lot of gnawing. On anything they can find.
  
• Cheek pulling.
  
• Some serious fussiness.
  
• Not wanting to feed.
  
• Sometimes, a blister might form in the mouth.

How high can a teething fever get?

The first question to ask is: how hot is your baby?

A teething fever range is on the lower end of the spectrum—from 97.5°F to 100.4°F.

(Technically, that’s not really even a fever.)

If baby’s teething fever is higher than 100.4°F, it could be caused by something else, and it’s worth checking in with your doctor.

Can a baby get 103 fever from teething?

Not typically, no ‒ a fever of more than 100.4°F isn’t likely to be a teething fever, instead caused by something else, like an infection or illness.

If baby’s temperature is above 100.4°F, call your doctor, just in case.

Can teething cause a fever of 104?

No ‒ if your baby has a temperature of 104°F, it’s best to speak with your doctor ‒ it’s not likely t be a fever from teething.

How long does a teething fever last?

So, how long do teething fevers last?

Well, your baby’s temperature may start rising a day or two before the tooth erupts and come down once the tooth is out ‒ a classic teething fever.

If this is all it is, there’s not much that you need to be doing, except keeping them cool and hydrated.

Can toddlers have teething fevers?

What about a teething fever toddler?

Well, it can happen ‒ although, as with baby’s teething fever, it’s not really a fever.

If your toddler is teething, you may notice their temperature rise a few degrees in a small teething fever, but it’s nothing to worry about.

Is baby sick or teething?

Not sure how to tell the difference between teething or sickness?

Well, some of the symptoms can be similar or the same, so the key here is to take baby’s temperature and check their gums.

If their temperature is less than 100.4°F and you can see some little white buds around their gums, you’re looking at a teething fever.

If their temperature is more than 100.4°F and there are no signs of teeth in their gums, you could have a poorly baby on your hands.

If baby’s temperature is above 100.4°F, have a chat with your doctor to find out the next best steps.

How can I treat my baby’s teething fever?

If you’re wondering how to break a teething fever, we’re here to say that… you can’t.

Because it’s not technically a fever, since it’s less than 100.4°F.

However, for other teething symptoms, there are ways to jump in and help.

• A gum massage with clean fingers can go a long way.
  
• Teething toys and rings are also great.
  
• For added soothe, pop them in the refrigerator beforehand.
  
• A great hack if you don’t have a teething toy? A cold washcloth for them to chew on. This can also bring down any high temperature from a teething fever.
  
• Chat to your doctor about medication options. They may advise acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your baby is older than six months.

(The CDC recommends staying away from teething jewelry, gels, and creams as they can do more harm than good.)

🦷 More ways to soothe your teething baby: 12 Easy Baby Teething Remedies

Dealing with a teething fever at night

Thanks to the baby witching hour, nighttime can be a trying time in best cases.

But with a teething fever and other teething symptoms? Yikes.

One of our favorite hacks from our veteran Peanut mamas is to put a damp, clean washcloth in the freezer for about an hour, then give it to baby to chew on.

It’ll help bring down their teething fever and ease those aching gums.

Win/win!

🦷 More late-night teething hacks: How To Soothe A Teething Baby At Night

When should I worry about my baby’s fever?

If you’re at all concerned about baby’s teething fever, the general rule of thumb is to call your doctor if your baby is:

• Older than three months and has a fever over 100.4°F.
  
• Younger than three months and has a fever of any sort.

And if your baby’s teething fever (even if it’s low grade) is accompanied by any of these symptoms:

• Vomiting.
  
• Diarrhea.
  
• Refusing to feed.
  
• Crying that doesn’t let up.
  
• Dehydration symptoms, such as dry diapers, tearless cries, or a sunken spot on their head.
  
• Coughing.
  
• Congestion.
  
• Shivers or chills.

These could be signs that something else is up.

Fevers can be caused by a wide variety of things: from bacterial and viral infections to serious health conditions, to heat exhaustion, to a simple teething fever.

So, bottom line, yes, a little fever with teething is perfectly normal.

But a teething fever over 100.4°F? Not so much. If you’re worried, give your doctor a call.

Good luck, mama!

🦷 More on baby teething:
What is a Baby Teeth Chart and How Does it Work?
Tooth Fairy Letter Templates: What to Write
A Quick Guide to Teething Poop & Diarrhea
When to Take a Baby with RSV to the Hospital
What Is a Baby’s Normal Temperature?
10 Life-Changing Mom Hacks From Peanut Mamas