Teething causes fever in babies

What the research found

Healthdirect, an Australian guidance page, states plainly that teething does not cause a fever. A second child health guidance page agrees. It says the proven signs of teething are drooling, chewing and mild gum soreness, and that fever is a false symptom.

A 1989 review found teething does not appear to cause diarrhoea, fever, rashes or seizures. It may go with restlessness, drooling, gum rubbing and a temporary loss of appetite. A 2016 meta-analysis of 16 studies found the most common signs were gum irritation, irritability and drooling.

Many parents still believe teething brings fever. A 2015 survey in Saudi Arabia found 87% of parents listed fever as a sign of teething. The belief is common, but this survey only records what parents think. It does not show that teething causes fever.

One US regulator page says the American Academy of Pediatrics lists a low-grade fever as an occasional teething symptom. This is the one point of disagreement in the evidence. The other guidance says to look for another cause.

What it doesn’t mean

• Do not assume teething is the reason for a fever. Blaming teething can delay care for infections such as ear or urinary tract infections, or meningitis.
• A baby under 3 months with a fever above 38°C needs the nearest hospital emergency department straight away. See a doctor promptly if your child has a fever for more than 2 days, seems more unwell, has a rash, or is vomiting and not taking fluids.
• Teething can still make babies fussy and sore. This verdict does not mean teething is painless. Gentle gum massage or a chilled teething ring are safer options than teething gels.