Teething Fever (2026 Pediatrician Review)

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Michael Anderson, MD

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Raza, MD (Pediatrics) — ChildBloom Medical Review Panel. Last updated: August 4, 2026.

Editorial & affiliate disclosure: our guidance is written and reviewed by clinicians. ChildBloom may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, which never changes what our pediatric reviewers recommend.

Looking for clear answers about teething fever? This pediatrician-reviewed guide covers what matters, what to skip, the safety checks that count, and exactly when to involve your doctor — based on current AAP, CDC and CPSC guidance on teething fever.

Quick pediatrician summary: teething fever

Short answer: A pediatrician explains teething fever: what is normal, the real risks, red flags to watch for and exactly when to call your doctor.

Written by the ChildBloom Pediatric Panel, FAAP | Medically reviewed | Last updated July 2025

Your baby has a fever. They are also drooling, chewing on everything, and generally fussy. You have heard that teething causes fever. So you assume the two are connected — the fever is from teething, and it will pass when the tooth comes through.

This assumption is one of the most common — and most dangerous — in all of pediatrics.

The short answer is: teething does NOT cause a true fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher). It may cause a very slight elevation in body temperature, but not a fever. And attributing a real fever to teething can delay the diagnosis of a genuine infection.

What the Research Says
The Danger of Misattribution
How to Tell the Difference
Managing Teething Discomfort

Part 1: What the Research Says

1.1 The Key Studies

Multiple studies have investigated the relationship between teething and body temperature. The findings are consistent:

A comprehensive review published in Pediatrics (2011) analyzed 21 studies on teething symptoms. The researchers found that teething was associated with a slight increase in body temperature — but the mean temperature on teething days was 99.0°F (37.2°C), which is NOT a fever by any clinical definition.
A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that temperature elevation during teething was limited to 99.0-99.5°F (37.2-37.5°C). No child developed a temperature above 100.4°F that could be attributed to teething alone.
A prospective study tracking infants daily found that symptoms were most prominent on the day of tooth eruption and the day before — not during the days leading up to eruption.

1.2 The Clinical Consensus

The AAP, the AAPD, and the majority of pediatric researchers agree:

Teething may cause a very slight temperature elevation (up to 99.5°F / 37.5°C).
Teething does NOT cause a true fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher).
A baby who is teething AND has a fever has an infection — not “teething fever.”

Part 2: Why This Matters — The Danger of Misattribution

2.1 The Scenario

Here is what happens in my practice regularly: A parent brings in a 9-month-old with a fever of 102°F. The baby is also teething. The parent says, “We think it is just teething.” They have been managing the fever at home for 2-3 days without seeking medical care because they assumed the fever was from teething.

By the time they come in, the baby has an ear infection, a urinary tract infection, or (worst case) a more serious infection that has been untreated for days.

2.2 Why Babies Are at Higher Risk

Babies under 12 months are at higher risk for serious bacterial infections because their immune systems are immature. A fever in a baby can be the first (and sometimes only) sign of:

Ear infection (otitis media)
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Pneumonia
Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream)
Meningitis

These conditions require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Attributing a fever to teething delays care.

2.3 The Rule

⚠️ Safety Note: If your baby has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, it is NOT from teething. It is from an infection or other illness — even if the baby is also teething. Call your pediatrician. The only exception: a very slight temperature elevation (99-99.5°F) in a baby who is otherwise well, active, feeding normally, and showing clear signs of teething.

Part 3: How to Tell the Difference

3.1 Signs That Point to Teething (Not Infection)

Temperature is below 100.4°F (38°C)
The baby is otherwise well: alert, active, feeding, making wet diapers
Clear signs of teething: swollen gums, drooling, chewing on objects
Symptoms are mild and do not worsen over time
The baby can be consoled

3.2 Signs That Point to Infection (Not Teething)

Temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
The baby seems unwell: lethargic, irritable, not feeding well
Additional symptoms: runny nose, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, ear pulling
The fever persists for more than 24-48 hours
The fever is high (102°F / 39°C or higher)
The baby is under 3 months old with any temperature elevation (always an emergency)

Part 4: Managing Teething Discomfort (Without Medication)

If your baby is uncomfortable from teething but does NOT have a fever, try these approaches:

Gum massage: Wash your hands and gently rub the baby’s gums with your finger.
Chilled teething toy: Refrigerate (do not freeze) a solid silicone teether.
Chilled washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out, and refrigerate it.
Cold foods (for babies on solids): Chilled applesauce, yogurt, or a frozen banana in a mesh feeder.
Extra cuddles: Sometimes the baby just needs more comfort and closeness.
Pain medication if needed: Acetaminophen (from birth) or ibuprofen (from 6 months), dosed by weight.

👩‍⚕️ Pediatrician’s Take

Teething does not cause fever. I cannot say this strongly enough. A temperature of 100.4°F or higher in a teething baby is an infection until proven otherwise. I have seen too many babies with delayed diagnoses because parents attributed a fever to teething. If your baby has a fever, call your pediatrician — even if they are also teething.

When to Call the Doctor

Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months (EMERGENCY)
Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby 3-12 months
Fever lasting more than 24-48 hours
Fever accompanied by other symptoms
The baby seems unwell (lethargic, not feeding, inconsolable)

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment of your child’s specific condition.

Reference: World Health Organization – Maternal & Child Health

Why Teething Fever Matters

Understanding teething fever is essential for every parent. As a pediatrician, I see many families struggle with this topic. Here is what the evidence shows.

Related Resources

Explore more pediatrician-reviewed guidance from ChildBloom:

Authoritative External Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I call the doctor for a baby fever?
A: Call immediately if your baby is under 3 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. For older babies, call if the fever lasts more than 24-48 hours, reaches 104°F (40°C) or higher, or is accompanied by lethargy, difficulty breathing, or a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed.

Q: How do I accurately take my baby’s temperature?
A: For babies under 3 months, use a rectal digital thermometer (the gold standard). For babies 3-6 months, rectal or temporal (forehead) thermometers work well. For babies over 6 months, temporal, ear, or rectal thermometers are all appropriate. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate readings.

Q: What is the best way to reduce a baby’s fever?
A: Dress your baby lightly (one layer more than you’d wear), keep the room at 68-72°F, offer plenty of fluids, and consider age-appropriate fever-reducing medication (acetaminophen for 2+ months, ibuprofen for 6+ months) if your baby is uncomfortable. The goal is comfort, not necessarily bringing the temperature to normal.

📖 More from the Health & Safety Hub: your A-Z pediatrician guide to baby health, common illnesses, fevers, rashes, allergies, safety

Understanding the Teething Process

Teething is a natural developmental process that typically begins around 6 months of age, though the range can vary from 3 to 12 months. The lower central incisors usually emerge first, followed by the upper central incisors. By age 3, most children have their full set of 20 primary teeth.

Signs and Symptoms

Common teething signs include increased drooling, gum swelling and tenderness, chewing on hands or objects, irritability, disrupted sleep, and decreased appetite for solid foods. Low-grade temperature elevation (under 100.4°F) can occur due to gum inflammation, but true fever is not caused by teething. If your baby has a fever above 100.4°F, look for another cause.

Safe Teething Relief Options

Safe teething relief includes chilled (not frozen) teething rings, clean wet washcloths placed in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen after 3 months or ibuprofen after 6 months (always confirm dosing with your pediatrician). Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine, which can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia in infants.

Supporting Your Baby Through Teething

Teething Toys and Tools

Choose teethers made from food-grade silicone, natural rubber, or solid wood (unpainted). Avoid liquid-filled teethers that can leak if punctured, and avoid frozen teethers that can be too hard and damage delicate gums. Refrigerator-chilled (not frozen) teethers provide soothing relief. Soft silicone teething brushes can double as gum massagers. Always clean teethers according to manufacturer instructions to prevent bacterial buildup.

Oral Hygiene During Teething

Begin oral care before the first tooth erupts by wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth after feeds. Once teeth appear, use a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice daily, especially before bedtime. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice (bottle mouth syndrome), which can cause severe tooth decay.

Teething and Feeding

How Teething Affects Eating

Teething can temporarily affect your baby’s appetite. Some babies nurse or bottle-feed more for comfort, while others pull away due to gum sensitivity. Offer chilled teething toys before feeds to numb the gums. For babies eating solids, offer cool, soft foods like yogurt, chilled pureed fruit, or refrigerated teething biscuits. Your baby may prefer certain textures during teething — follow their lead and do not worry if solids intake drops temporarily.

Teething and Sleep Disruptions

Teething discomfort can cause sleep disruptions, especially when multiple teeth are erupting at once. Maintain your usual sleep routine as much as possible, as consistency is comforting. Offer extra comfort and soothing during the night, but try to avoid creating new sleep associations that will persist after the teething phase passes. If sleep disruptions continue for more than a week or two without a clear teething cause, look for other factors.

The Bottom Line

Teething Fever: Can Teething Really Cause a Fever? is a common concern for parents, and most of the time it resolves with simple home care and patience. As a pediatrician, I encourage parents to trust their instincts, stay informed with evidence-based resources, and maintain open communication with their healthcare provider. You know your child best — if something does not feel right, speak up. Every question you ask is valid, and every concern you raise helps us provide better care for your little one.

Frequently asked questions about teething fever

Is teething fever normal in babies?

Mild, short-lived episodes are common and usually settle with simple home care. It is not normal if your baby is feeding poorly, unusually sleepy, breathing fast, has a fever under 3 months of age, or the problem is getting worse instead of better.

When should I call the doctor about teething fever?

Call the same day for fever in a baby under 3 months, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, dehydration signs such as very few wet diapers, unusual floppiness or a rash that does not fade with pressure. Trust your instinct — if something feels wrong, get your baby seen.

What can I safely do at home for teething fever?

Focus on comfort, hydration, feeding and rest, and use only medicines and doses your pediatrician has approved for your baby’s age and weight. Avoid honey under 12 months, avoid over-the-counter cough and cold products under 6 years, and never give aspirin.

Common mistakes parents make with teething fever

Assuming a higher price means a safer or better-performing option — certification and correct fit matter far more.
Skipping the instruction manual, weight limits and product registration, which is how recall notices reach you.
Changing several things at once, so you cannot tell what actually helped your baby.
Relying on advice from social media instead of your pediatrician when something feels off.

Related pediatrician-reviewed reading

References & further reading

Medical disclaimer: this article is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. Always follow your own pediatrician’s guidance for your child.