Teething is a normal developmental milestone that begins when a baby is typically between four and seven months old. This process, where the first primary teeth erupt through the gums, often causes discomfort, drooling, and irritability. Many parents notice a temperature increase alongside these symptoms, leading to the common question of how high that temperature can safely climb before it signals a more serious concern.
Is the Fever Caused by Teething?
Medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, generally agree that teething itself does not cause a true fever. The process of a tooth breaking through the gum line may trigger a slight, localized inflammatory response. This inflammation can result in a very mild elevation in body temperature, but it does not typically reach the level defined as a fever.
A significant temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher is almost always an indication of an underlying infection or illness. The timing of teething (six to twelve months) often coincides with a baby’s first exposures to common viruses, as maternal antibodies wane and babies explore by putting objects in their mouths. Therefore, if a baby is teething and registers a true fever, it is highly likely that they are simultaneously fighting a coexisting condition, such as a cold or ear infection.
What Temperature is Considered Low-Grade?
A low-grade temperature associated with teething is generally considered to be a slight elevation, usually ranging from 99.0 degrees Fahrenheit up to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. This minor increase is consistent with the mild inflammation that occurs in the gums as the tooth prepares to emerge. Temperatures that fall within this narrow range, and are not accompanied by other signs of illness, are typically considered part of the teething process.
The temperature threshold that defines a true fever is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Any reading at or above this mark suggests the baby is ill and the temperature is not caused by teething alone. Parents should consider 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit as the maximum acceptable temperature to attribute to teething discomfort before investigating other causes.
Recognizing Signs That Require a Doctor
Parents should seek professional medical advice if the baby’s temperature exceeds the 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit threshold, as this suggests a possible infection. For infants three months or older, a fever reaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher warrants a call to the healthcare provider. A fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours, regardless of the exact height, should also be evaluated by a doctor to rule out an illness requiring treatment.
Beyond temperature, several accompanying symptoms are red flags that signal a serious condition and require prompt evaluation. These include persistent vomiting, watery diarrhea, or a rash that spreads beyond the face and chin. A baby who is difficult to wake, seems excessively sleepy, or is inconsolable despite comfort measures should also be seen immediately. Furthermore, any sign of dehydration, such as a refusal to drink liquids or significantly fewer wet diapers than usual, indicates a need for medical attention.
Comforting Your Baby at Home
Applying gentle pressure to the gums with a clean finger or a moistened gauze pad can help to temporarily numb the area. Chilled items are effective because the cold temperature helps to soothe the inflamed gum tissue.
Teething rings or washcloths that have been chilled in the refrigerator offer a satisfying surface for the baby to chew on. It is important to only chill these items and not freeze them solid, as an overly hard object could potentially damage the baby’s delicate gums. If the baby is eating solids, offering cold foods like yogurt or applesauce can also help to alleviate discomfort.
In cases where discomfort is interfering with sleep or feeding, a healthcare provider may suggest the use of an age-appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications are used to target the pain and inflammation, rather than solely to reduce a slight temperature elevation. Parents must avoid topical numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as these are not recommended for infants.