It's tough when your little one is fussy and drooling, and that slight fever has you wondering, "Can teething cause fever?" For generations, parents have linked these two, leading to countless questions and concerns.
At Encore Dental Studio in Winston-Salem, we understand these worries. While we're dedicated to exceptional dental care for the whole family, we also know that understanding your baby's health — including the realities of teething — is crucial.
Let's get to the bottom of this common parenting dilemma.
Teething is the natural developmental stage when your baby’s first set of teeth — also called primary teeth — begin breaking through the gums.
This process, though completely normal, can be quite uncomfortable for little ones and often leaves parents wondering what’s normal... and what’s not.
Baby teeth don't all come in at once. Typically, they emerge in a predictable order. Here’s a general timeline to help you track your baby’s progress:
| Tooth Type | Average Eruption Age |
| Lower central incisors | 4–8 months |
| Upper central incisors | 8–12 months |
| Lateral incisors | 9–16 months |
| First molars | 13–19 months |
| Canines | 16–22 months |
| Second molars | 23–33 months |
Every baby is different, so don’t worry if your child’s teeth don’t follow this exact schedule.
When teething begins, your baby might show several tell-tale signs. These include drooling, gum rubbing, irritability, and trouble sleeping. You may also notice them putting everything — and we mean everything — in their mouth.
These symptoms can be mild or more intense depending on the baby and which tooth is coming in. First teeth often come with more discomfort than the ones that follow.
Most babies start teething between 4 to 8 months of age. However, it’s perfectly normal for some to begin earlier or later. If no teeth have appeared by 12 months, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician just for peace of mind.
Let’s tackle the heart of the matter: Can teething cause fever? Many parents swear they notice fevers every time a new tooth pops in, but experts have a slightly different perspective.
Most pediatricians, including those with the American Academy of Pediatrics, agree that teething does not directly cause a fever. What may happen, however, is a slight increase in temperature due to gum inflammation — but nothing above 100.4°F (38°C).
In other words, a warm forehead might be teething. A true fever? Probably not.
Here’s a helpful distinction: a low-grade temperature (around 99–100°F) might be related to teething. This is often due to the body’s inflammatory response.
But if your baby’s temperature hits 100.4°F or higher, that’s considered a fever and likely points to something else — such as a virus or bacterial infection.
There’s a long history of parents associating fevers with teething — and for good reason. Babies are often teething at the same time they’re exposed to more germs (especially if they’ve started daycare). So while both events may happen at the same time, they’re not causally linked.
It’s important to separate correlation from causation. A teething baby with a fever likely has a coexisting condition, not just dental discomfort.
Teething doesn’t happen in one swoop — the gums go through several stages before a tooth emerges:
During these stages, discomfort can fluctuate — especially at night or during naps.
Knowing what’s normal can help prevent unnecessary worry. Let’s explore what teething really looks like:
Babies drool a lot during teething, which can lead to rashes on the chin or chest. They also chew on fingers, toys, or even your shoulder to ease pressure in the gums.
Red, puffy gums are a common sight. They may look slightly bruised or bulging where the tooth is pushing through.
Babies may be extra clingy, fussy, or whiny. The discomfort makes them harder to soothe — and that’s okay. Comfort and patience go a long way.
Pain tends to feel worse when everything else is quiet — like during naps or nighttime. It’s not uncommon for babies to wake up more frequently while teething.
Let’s say your baby has a fever... but they’re also teething. What else could be going on?
Many viruses present in early childhood — especially colds — occur during the same months babies begin teething. It’s easy to misattribute a fever to teething when it’s actually viral.
If your baby is pulling at their ears, has a runny nose, or seems to be in more pain than usual, an ear infection may be the culprit. These are often accompanied by fevers and require medical attention.
Routine vaccinations can cause mild fevers. If your baby had a shot in the past 48 hours, that’s more likely the reason for the temperature than teething.
Still unsure? Here’s how to tell the difference between teething and something more serious.
If the fever lasts more than a day or goes above 100.4°F, it’s unlikely teething is to blame. Consider calling your pediatrician.
Vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, rashes, or overall lethargy suggest something more than teething. These symptoms don’t usually come with new teeth.
Always call a doctor if:
You don’t have to stand by helplessly — there are ways to ease your baby’s teething woes.
Soft, chilled (not frozen) teethers give babies something to gnaw on, relieving pressure and soothing the gums.
Using a clean finger or soft baby toothbrush, gently rub your baby’s gums in a circular motion. It can offer quick relief and even help teeth emerge more easily.
If your baby seems truly uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician about using infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen — and always follow dosage instructions carefully.
Cold washcloths, breastmilk popsicles, or simply extra snuggles can work wonders. Sometimes, your presence is the most powerful remedy.
Teething can cloud the waters, but here’s how to stay on track:
Always look at the full picture. A slight temp increase might be teething, but fever with vomiting, cough, or fatigue likely isn’t.
Note when symptoms start, how long they last, and whether anything makes them better. This helps you (and your pediatrician) make informed decisions.
Don’t wait until all the baby teeth are in. Your child’s dentist at Encore Dental Studio can help monitor teething progress and spot any signs of issues early on.
Teething is the perfect time to build great oral habits.
Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums — especially after nursing or bottle-feeding — to reduce bacteria buildup.
Once teeth appear, use a soft baby toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste. This sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Limit juice, sugary snacks, and bedtime bottles to prevent early tooth decay. Healthy habits start now — even with just one tooth!
At Encore Dental Studio, we specialize in gentle, family-focused care that makes dentistry stress-free — even for the littlest patients. Whether your baby is just beginning to teethe or your teen needs a same-day crown, we’re here for you.
Conveniently located at 755 Highland Oaks Dr STE 106, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, we’re open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. From emergency visits to deep cleans and preventive cleanings, our team prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and real results.
Call us today or stop by. We proudly serve Winston-Salem and surrounding areas — and your family’s smile is always our top priority.
Can teething cause fever? In short, not really. While teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, any real fever likely stems from something else.
By staying informed and watching for signs, you can confidently navigate the ups and downs of teething — without unnecessary panic.
And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Pediatricians and dentists, like us at Encore Dental Studio, are here to help every step of the way.
Teething isn’t directly responsible for diarrhea or fever. If both are present, it’s likely due to an unrelated infection — not new teeth.
Any temperature over 100.4°F should not be attributed to teething and should prompt a call to your healthcare provider.
Yes, teething is a long process. It can take up to 2–3 years for all baby teeth to erupt, with periods of discomfort throughout.
Not necessarily. Use medication only when symptoms are severe and always under a doctor’s guidance. Try natural methods first.
Excess drool from teething might irritate the throat, but consistent runny noses and coughs usually point to a cold.
Your baby should visit the dentist by age one or within six months of their first tooth — whichever comes first.
Whether you need immediate emergency care, a same-day crown, or a routine dental checkup, Encore Dental Studio is here for you.
