Teething Doesn't Cause Fever: What Parents Should Know

Teething can bring out all the feels—extra cuddles, drooly smiles, and yes, some fussier days. But there’s one thing teething does not bring: a true fever.

Key takeaway: Teething may cause mild irritability and drooling, but it does not cause a clinical fever (≥100.4°F or 38°C). If your baby has a true fever, look for another cause and contact your pediatrician.

Major health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), agree that teething does not cause fever or serious systemic symptoms. Assuming a fever is “just teething” can delay care for infections that need attention (AAP HealthyChildren; WHO).

This guide explains why “teething fever” is a myth, how to recognize real illness, and what you can do to comfort your baby safely.

1) Teething and Fever: The Bottom Line

The statement “teething does not cause fever” is supported by pediatric research and expert consensus. A landmark study in Pediatrics found that teething can be associated with very slight temperature increases that stay below 100.4°F (38°C), but not a true fever that signals illness (Macknin et al., Pediatrics). The AAP and WHO advise caregivers to investigate other causes if a teething-age baby has a fever, especially because babies 3–12 months are exposed to many new germs as they start exploring (AAP HealthyChildren; WHO).

Why this matters: Missing or delaying care for ear infections, urinary tract infections, or viral/bacterial illnesses because of the teething fever myth can put babies at risk (CDC; Children’s Colorado).

2) When Teething Starts and What’s Normal (3–12 months)

Every baby’s timeline is unique, but here’s a common pattern:

First teeth (usually the bottom central incisors) often appear around 6 months, but anywhere from 3 to 12 months is normal.
Top incisors usually follow, then lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars into the toddler years.
Some babies breeze through teething with minimal symptoms; others have a few fussy days with each tooth.

A wide range of normal exists. Early or later eruption alone rarely signals a problem. If you’re unsure about timing or tooth spacing, bring questions to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

3) True Fever vs. Low-Grade Temperature: Know the Numbers

Fever is a rectal temperature of ≥100.4°F (38°C).
Teething can cause minor temperature bumps that stay below 100.4°F (38°C). That’s not a true fever.

Best ways to take a baby’s temperature:

Rectal: Most accurate for infants and young toddlers, especially under 12 months. Use a digital thermometer with a small amount of petroleum jelly, insert gently 1/2–1 inch, and never leave your baby unattended.
Temporal (forehead) or tympanic (ear): Can be helpful in older infants if used correctly, but readings may vary. If your baby is under 3 months or the result seems high, confirm with a rectal temperature (AAP; CDC).
Axillary (underarm): Convenient but less accurate. If it reads high or your baby seems unwell, confirm with rectal.

4) Common Teething Symptoms (and What’s Not Teething)

What teething commonly looks like:

Extra drooling and a tendency to chew or gnaw
Swollen or tender gums; a small bluish gum bruise (eruption cyst) can appear
Mild irritability or clinginess
Slight sleep disruptions
Decreased appetite for solids (but should still drink fluids)

What is not caused by teething:

True fever (≥100.4°F or 38°C)
Diarrhea or vomiting
Widespread rash
Severe cough, wheezing, or trouble breathing
Lethargy (unusual sleepiness, hard to wake) or persistent refusal to feed

If these occur, think illness—not teething—and call your pediatrician (AAP HealthyChildren; Seattle Children’s).

5) Why the Myth Persists—and Why It Matters

Historically, many infant illnesses clustered around the same age when teeth erupt. That timing fuels the teething fever myth. A bit of confirmation bias (noticing when fussiness and fevers overlap and attributing them to one cause) keeps the idea alive.

Why it matters:

Delayed diagnosis: Fever in babies 3–12 months is commonly due to viral infections, but it can also signal ear infections, UTIs, or other bacterial illnesses that need evaluation.
Safety concerns: Assuming “it’s just teething” may lead to missed warning signs or misuse of home remedies and medications (AAP; CDC; Children’s Colorado).

6) How to Soothe Teething Safely

Comfort strategies backed by pediatric guidance:

Offer chilled (not frozen) teethers made of solid rubber or silicone. The cool temperature can ease gum discomfort.
Gently massage gums with a clean finger.
Give a clean, cool, wet washcloth to chew on (supervise closely).
Provide extra cuddles, rocking, and distraction with play or a short walk.
Stick with regular routines and sleep cues when you can; consistency is soothing.

Safety callouts:

Avoid benzocaine or lidocaine gels and ointments for teething—these can be dangerous for infants (FDA warning).
Skip amber teething necklaces and bracelets; they pose choking and strangulation risks (AAP HealthyChildren).
Do not freeze teethers (can injure gums), rub alcohol on gums, or use herbal/homeopathic products with unclear ingredients or dosing.

7) Is It Teething or Illness? How to Tell

Use this quick guide when your baby seems off:

Likely teething

Lots of drooling; chewing on hands and toys
Swollen, tender gums; you may see or feel a ridge
Mild fussiness; sleep a bit disrupted
No true fever (temp below 100.4°F or 38°C)

More likely illness (call your pediatrician)

Fever ≥100.4°F (38°C)
Cough, congestion, runny nose, or breathing difficulties
Vomiting or diarrhea
Widespread or unusual rash
Ear pulling with fever or notable irritability (possible ear infection)
Poor feeding, signs of dehydration, unusual sleepiness or low energy

If you’re unsure, trust your instincts and call your child’s clinician. It’s always okay to ask.

8) When to Call the Pediatrician or Seek Care

Here are general thresholds that help guide decisions for baby fever (3–12 months) and younger infants. Always follow your clinician’s advice for your child.

Call your pediatrician or seek care if:

Your baby is younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Your baby is 3–6 months with a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher.
Your baby is 6–12 months with a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
Any age with fever plus red flags: difficulty breathing, rash, signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears), persistent vomiting, refusal to feed, unusual sleepiness, inconsolable fussiness, or fever that lasts more than 24 hours under 2 years (or as your clinician directs).

Even without fever, call if your baby seems very unwell. If your baby has trouble breathing, has a purple/non-blanching rash, is difficult to wake, or you’re worried about a serious illness, seek urgent care or call emergency services.

9) Medication and Home Remedies: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

Ask your pediatrician about using acetaminophen for teething discomfort or fever. Use the correct, weight-based dose and an appropriate dosing device.
For babies 6 months and older, your clinician may recommend ibuprofen. Avoid ibuprofen under 6 months unless your pediatrician specifically advises it.
Use single-ingredient products when possible and keep a log of timing and dose.

Don’ts

Don’t use aspirin in children.
Don’t use benzocaine or lidocaine oral gels for teething (FDA warning about serious side effects).
Don’t give multi-ingredient cold medicines to babies.
Don’t rely on unproven remedies or products that pose choking or strangulation risks (such as amber necklaces).

Always store medicines out of reach and double-check concentrations and dosing with your clinician or pharmacist.

10) Hydration, Comfort, and Day-to-Day Care

Offer frequent breast milk or formula. During mild illness or fever, babies often need smaller, more frequent feeds.
Watch for dehydration: fewer than 3–4 wet diapers in 24 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken soft spot, or unusual sleepiness. Call your pediatrician if you see these signs (AAP HealthyChildren).
Keep your baby comfortable: light clothing, room temperature around 68–72°F (20–22°C), and gentle cuddling.
Maintain calm, predictable routines. Extra soothing is okay; you won’t “spoil” a baby by responding to discomfort.

11) FAQ: Quick Answers to Parents’ Top Questions

Q: Does teething cause fever?

A: No. Teething does not cause a true fever (≥100.4°F or 38°C). If your baby has a fever, look for illness and call your pediatrician as needed (AAP; WHO).

Q: Can teething cause a slight temperature rise?

A: Yes, some babies have a small, brief temperature bump that stays below 100.4°F (38°C). That’s not a clinical fever (Pediatrics study by Macknin et al.).

Q: What about diarrhea or rashes—are those teething symptoms?

A: No. Diarrhea, vomiting, and widespread rashes aren’t caused by teething. These point to illness, allergies, or other conditions and warrant a call to your pediatrician.

Q: My baby is pulling at their ear. Is that teething?

A: Ear pulling can be referred discomfort from gum pain, but with fever or notable fussiness it may be an ear infection. Check temperature and call your clinician if you’re concerned.

Q: Vaccines and teething overlap. How do I know what’s causing symptoms?

A: After routine vaccines, some babies have a low-grade fever, redness at the injection site, or fussiness for 24–48 hours. Teething doesn’t cause fever. If you’re unsure, follow the vaccine after-care instructions and call your pediatrician with any concerns (CDC).

Q: How long does each tooth bother babies?

A: Discomfort often peaks in the days before the tooth breaks through and usually improves once it erupts. Many babies have only mild symptoms for a few days per tooth.

Q: What’s the best way to measure temperature in babies?

A: Use a digital rectal thermometer for the most accurate reading in infants. Confirm any concerning reading from a forehead or ear thermometer with a rectal temperature, especially in babies under 3 months (AAP; CDC).

12) Resources You Can Trust

American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren): Teething; Fever and Your Baby; When to Call the Pediatrician for a Fever — https://www.healthychildren.org
Pediatrics journal: Symptoms Associated With Infant Teething (Macknin et al.) — https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/105/4/747/65718/
World Health Organization: Infant and young child feeding guidance — https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241594782
CDC: Fever in Children; vaccine after-care — https://www.cdc.gov/children/fever
Seattle Children’s: Teething — https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/teething/
Cleveland Clinic: Teething symptoms and signs — https://health.clevelandclinic.org/teething-signs-and-symptoms
Mayo Clinic: Teething tips; Fever in babies — https://www.mayoclinic.org
Children’s Colorado: Fever (0–12 Months) — https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/fever-0-12-months/
FDA: Warning against benzocaine for teething — https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-warns-against-use-topical-pain-relievers-teething-babies

Citations throughout this article reflect guidance from the AAP, WHO, CDC, and leading children’s hospitals and reviews. For personalized advice, always consult your child’s clinician.

The Bottom Line

The teething fever myth persists, but the evidence is clear: teething does not cause fever. Knowing the difference between teething symptoms and signs of illness helps you act quickly when it counts. Comfort your baby with safe strategies, monitor temperature accurately, and reach out to your pediatrician if your baby has a true fever or any red flags.

If you have questions about your baby’s symptoms or you’re worried—even if you’re not sure why—call your pediatrician. You know your baby best, and your care team is there to help.