Watching a baby grow and develop is all fun and exciting until you notice them crying out in pain in the middle of the night because of baby teething fever. It is natural to worry about what to do when this happens.
Baby teething is a natural process that happens usually during 4 to 7 months. However, some babies may experience this earlier or later. So, do not fret if your child is not yet experiencing these dental changes and development as it continues on until the last set of molars appear.
Normally, the two front teeth (central incisors) from either the upper or the lower part show up first then lateral incisors, then the first molars. After which, it is followed by the canines and finally, the second set of molars.
Signs and Symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms of baby teething fever that most children experience are the following:
Irritability and Crankiness
It is normal for babies to find baby teething fever and other changes to be irritating, especially when the tooth is slowly about to erupt.
Drooling Excessively
Since they are still developing, the most that infants can do is to eat and to interact with the use of their mouth to alleviate their discomfort from teething sensations. This may lead to increased spitting and drooling.
Rashes
Excessive drooling can irritate the baby’s face, causing rashes.
Chewing and Biting
Babies have the tendency to chew and bite anything they see within reach. This tendency may even increase during teething.
Pain and Swelling of the Gums
Not all infants will find this a discomforting feeling, but some may get cranky and fussy.
Interrupted Sleep
Because of their unusual fussy behavior, they tend to wake up in the middle of the night crying in pain.
Temporary Decreased/Loss of Appetite
The gum swelling and all other factors may cause the baby to be picky with food and lose their appetite.
Rubbing Around the Mouth, Ears, and Cheek Area
The pain and swelling of the gums may motivate the baby to rub their mouth, ears, and cheeks.
Coughing
Increased salivation that drips through the throat during this baby teething fever can give rise to occasional coughing or gagging.
Does Baby Teething Really Cause Fever?
There may be a slight increase in the body temperature due to the abovementioned signs and symptoms, which may cause babies to have low-grade fever.
A low-grade fever refers to a temperature ranging between 98-100°F (37.6 – 37.8 °C).
However, contrary to people’s perception about baby teething, fever does not stem from it. Some parents may say that their child is feverish because of the baby teething fever, but it is actually because of the inflammation in the surrounding gums or gum area.
Most times, their regular sticking of dirty hands, from touching different surfaces and objects up to their mouths can cause mild infections, which may present as fever.
What Can You Do To Help Ease the Baby Teething Fever?
All infants undergo these kinds of changes, and there is nothing wrong with it as it is part of a child’s development. If your baby is having some teething discomfort, you may want to consider the help of the following:
- Baby chew/teether toys
- Solid and cold rings (a cold spoon and frozen bananas/berries may also come as alternatives)
- Gum massage
- Pain relievers or other medication prescribed by your pediatrician
- Sippy cup of cold water
Amber necklaces and numbing gels are not recommended in this case.
When To See Your Doctor About It
Some of the symptoms mentioned may give rise to other reactions or infections, which can lead to a more serious problem.
Have your child checked by a pediatrician when:
- Temperature goes up to 38°C or higher
- Experiencing vomiting or diarrhea
- Any of the tips did not ease the child’s discomfort
Key Takeaways
It is normal for a parent to feel anxious about these changes taking place. But, it’s important to know that baby teething fever will not last forever. The best thing you could do to help your children is to ease their discomfort with the process.
Providing them some safe toys they can chew to ease teething symptoms and making sure to keep their hands clean are good ways to help them during this stage.
Most importantly, consult your child’s pediatrician to learn the best tips and techniques to ease the teething process.
Learn more about baby care here.
