Teething is a normal part of your baby’s development, but it can also be a stressful time for both babies and parents. The arrival of new teeth can lead to discomfort, fussiness, and sleepless nights. However, it’s important to distinguish between typical teething symptoms and signs of something more serious, like an illness.
While teething can cause mild discomfort, drooling, and even a slight rise in temperature, it should not cause severe illness or extreme symptoms. In this blog, we’ll break down the common signs of teething, the red flags that may indicate illness, and when to call the doctor to ensure your baby stays healthy and comfortable.
Common Teething Symptoms: What to Expect
Before we dive into when to seek medical attention, it’s helpful to understand the normal signs of teething. These symptoms usually begin a few days or weeks before the tooth breaks through and can last until the tooth has fully emerged. While every baby is different, here are some of the most common teething symptoms:
Drooling: Teething often causes excessive drooling. You may notice your baby’s shirt getting soaked with saliva, or you may need to wipe their chin frequently to prevent drool rashes. This is a natural response as the body produces more saliva to soothe the gums.
Chewing on Objects: Babies tend to chew on anything they can get their hands on—whether it’s their fingers, toys, or household items. Chewing helps relieve the pressure on their gums as the teeth push through.
Slight Increase in Temperature: Some babies may experience a slightly elevated temperature during teething, but it’s typically mild and stays below 100.4°F (38°C). If the temperature is higher, it’s unlikely to be caused by teething alone.
Fussiness and Irritability: As teeth emerge, babies may become cranky or more irritable than usual, especially at night when the discomfort seems to worsen. They may have trouble settling down or may wake up more frequently during sleep.
Swollen or Sensitive Gums: You might notice your baby’s gums look swollen or red where a tooth is about to come through. The area may also be sensitive, and your baby may cry if you try to touch their gums or offer certain foods.
Loss of Appetite: Some babies may be less interested in eating when they are teething because chewing can make their gums hurt. If your baby seems hesitant to eat solid foods, try offering cooler, softer foods that are easier on their gums.
While these symptoms can make teething a tough time for both babies and parents, they are generally manageable and temporary. However, it’s important to be aware of when symptoms might be a sign of illness rather than teething.
Signs That It Might Be More Than Teething
Teething can often be blamed for a variety of symptoms, but it’s important to remember that serious symptoms are not typically caused by teething alone. If your baby develops symptoms like a high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or extreme irritability, it’s time to consider whether something else may be going on. Here’s what to look out for:
High Fever (Above 100.4°F / 38°C)
While a mild increase in temperature can occur with teething, a high fever is not normal. If your baby’s temperature exceeds 100.4°F, it’s likely a sign of an infection or illness rather than teething. High fevers in babies could indicate a viral or bacterial infection, such as the flu, an ear infection, or a urinary tract infection (UTI).
When to Call the Doctor: If your baby’s fever is above 100.4°F, or if they have other signs of illness like lethargy or unusual drowsiness, call your pediatrician. A fever that lasts more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms warrants immediate medical attention.
Diarrhea
It’s common for parents to think diarrhea is a symptom of teething, but this is not the case. While teething may cause more drooling, leading to looser stools, actual diarrhea (watery, frequent bowel movements) is usually a sign of infection, such as a stomach virus. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration in infants, which is a serious concern.
When to Call the Doctor: If your baby has diarrhea that lasts for more than a day or is accompanied by vomiting, a high fever, or signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, or sunken eyes), call your doctor right away.
Rash or Skin Changes
Teething can sometimes cause a mild rash on the face or chin due to drooling, but if your baby develops a rash that spreads to other parts of the body, or if the rash looks unusual, this could indicate an allergic reaction, viral infection, or another underlying issue.
When to Call the Doctor: If your baby has a rash that is widespread, especially if it’s accompanied by a fever or other symptoms, it’s important to consult your pediatrician. A severe rash may be a sign of conditions like roseola, chickenpox, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
Extreme Irritability or Lethargy
While teething can make babies irritable, they should still have periods of normal playfulness and activity between bouts of fussiness. If your baby seems inconsolable, is crying constantly, or is unusually lethargic (difficult to wake or not interacting as usual), this could be a sign of illness.
When to Call the Doctor: If your baby is extremely fussy, cannot be soothed, or seems overly tired and uninterested in eating or playing, it’s best to get in touch with your pediatrician. These could be signs of an ear infection, cold, or another underlying health issue.
Refusal to Eat or Drink
Teething might cause some temporary loss of appetite, but your baby should still be willing to eat and drink most of the time. If your baby is refusing all food and drink for an extended period or is not producing wet diapers, it could be a sign of something more serious.
When to Call the Doctor: If your baby is refusing to eat or drink for more than a few hours and shows signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, or lethargy), seek medical advice. Babies need adequate fluids and nutrition, and persistent refusal to eat could indicate an illness.
Trust Your Parental Instincts
As a parent, you know your baby better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and call your pediatrician. Teething can cause discomfort, but it shouldn’t cause severe pain, illness, or extreme changes in behavior.
If you’re ever unsure whether your baby’s symptoms are related to teething or something more serious, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician. They can help you determine whether your baby’s symptoms are within the normal range for teething or if they require further evaluation.
Additional Tips for Managing Teething Symptoms
While you monitor your baby’s symptoms to ensure they aren’t caused by illness, there are also ways to manage typical teething discomfort at home:
Gum Massage: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger to relieve pressure.
Cold Teething Toys: Chill a teething toy or a wet washcloth in the refrigerator for your baby to chew on.
Offer Cool Foods: For babies who are eating solids, cool foods like yogurt or applesauce can soothe sore gums.
Pain Relievers: If your baby is especially uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician if baby-safe pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are appropriate for occasional use.
Know When to Seek Help
Teething is a natural process that can be uncomfortable, but it should not cause severe symptoms. If your baby experiences a high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, a severe rash, or unusual irritability, these are signs that something more than teething may be happening. Always trust your instincts as a parent and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you’re concerned.
By knowing the difference between typical teething symptoms and signs of illness, you can help ensure your baby stays healthy and comfortable during this important developmental phase.
