Teething Fever: Is It Baby’s First Tooth or an Infection?

When your baby’s first teeth start to come in, you might hear people talk about teething fever. But a high temperature (38°C / 100.4°F) isn’t a symptom of a new tooth erupting. Keep reading to learn how to spot the real warning signs and know when to call the doctor.

Does Teething Cause Fever in Babies?

No, teething doesn’t cause a fever—it means your child's body is fighting an infection. A 2016 meta-analysis in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) journal, Pediatrics, confirmed this after reviewing data from over 3,500 children.

The study concluded that while teething can cause a slight increase in temperature, it’s not characterized as a fever. (Explore this parent's guide to baby fever for more tips.) The AAP notes that the temperature rise associated with teething doesn’t go above 38°C,. Any temperature at or above that number is considered a fever.

Call your pediatrician if you notice a high fever in a teething baby, as it signals an underlying condition.

How Long Does a Teething-Related Temperature Last?

Any mild warmth from teething is brief. A rigorous study in the AAP journal Pediatrics found that a slight temperature increase occurred specifically on the day the tooth actually broke through the gum.

Is it Teething or an Illness?

Is a teething fever real? Mild warmth from teething stays below 38°C, while a true fever is a sign of illness.

Since fever isn’t a teething symptom, here are the signs you can expect instead. A 2024 global meta-analysis in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry found that 80% of babies experience some form of teething problem. The most common symptoms backed by research are:

• Increased biting (the most common local symptom)
• Irritability (the most common general symptom)
• Drooling
• Sore or swollen gums

According to the AAP, teething won’t cause:

• Diarrhea
• Diaper rashes
• A cough or runny nose

For the discomfort that's actually from teething, check out these tips on easing teething pain.

How to Safely Soothe Actual Teething Pain

Soothe sore gums with safe methods like a chilled teether. For fevers, always look for the underlying cause with your doctor.

Now that you know a fever isn't a typical teething symptom, you can focus on safely managing the real discomforts like fussiness and sore gums. Experts recommend a few simple methods, such as:

• Gentle pressure: Massage your baby's gums with a clean finger.
• Cooling: Offer a chilled, solid (not liquid-filled) teething toy.

For a more detailed guide that includes soothing tips for teething, read all about a baby's first tooth.

When to Seek Medical Advice

A baby's age is the most crucial factor in determining how to respond to a fever.

• Under 3 months: Call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately for any rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, as this could be a sign of an infection in your newborn.
• 3 to 6 months: If your baby has a fever of 38°C or higher, call your pediatrician so they can provide specific advice tailored to your baby's condition.
• Over 6 months: A fever over 38°C (100.4°F) that lasts more than 24 hours or comes with other symptoms (like rashes or vomiting) requires a call to your doctor.

Call your doctor right away—at any age—if a fever comes with these symptoms.

• Unusual lethargy, drowsiness, or extreme irritability
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet diapers, no tears when crying, dry mouth)
• Difficulty breathing
• A rash
• A seizure (convulsion)
• Refusing to eat or drink

Don't dismiss a high temperature as just a teething fever. Remember that a fever is often a sign of an underlying illness that has nothing to do with a new tooth. The most important rule is to trust your instincts; if you’re worried, always call your pediatrician.

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