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.
Table of Contents
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
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)
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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.
Related: Best Safe Teething Relief Products: Pediatrician-Approved Picks
Related: Top 5 Baby Toothbrushes & Finger Brushes for First Teeth: Pediatrician-Reviewed
Related: Best Silicone Teethers by Teething Stage: A Pediatrician’s Guide
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:
- Teething Rash on Chin & Cheeks: Drool Dermatitis or Allergy?
- When to Start Brushing Baby Teeth: Fluoride Rules by Age
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.
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- Teething Rash on Chin & Cheeks
- Best Silicone Teethers by Stage
- Best Baby Toothbrushes & Finger Brushes
- Best Safe Teething Relief Products
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