Does Teething Really Cause Fever?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect does teething really cause fever, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Research shows that teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but it does NOT cause true fever (temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F / 38 degrees C). A large systematic review of studies found that teething may cause temperatures up to about 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), along with drooling, gum irritation, and fussiness. If your baby has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher, they likely have an illness that coincidentally timed with teething, and the fever should be evaluated by your pediatrician rather than dismissed as "just teething."
Key takeaways
- Research shows that teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but it does NOT cause true fever (temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F / 38 degrees C). A large systematic review of studies found that teething may cause temperatures up to about 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), along with drooling, gum irritation, and fussiness. If your baby has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher, they likely have an illness that coincidentally timed with teething, and the fever should be evaluated by your pediatrician rather than dismissed as "just teething."
- Usually normal when: Drooling and wanting to chew on things during teething
- Call your doctor if: Any fever of 100.4 degrees F or above in a baby under 3 months (emergency regardless of suspected cause)
“Teething does not cause high fevers. If your child has a fever higher than 100.4°F, look for other causes of the illness.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, research shows that teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but it does NOT cause true fever (temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F / 38 degrees C). A large systematic review of studies found that teething may cause temperatures up to about 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), along with drooling, gum irritation, and fussiness. If your baby has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher, they likely have an illness that coincidentally timed with teething, and the fever should be evaluated by your pediatrician rather than dismissed as "just teething." At 0-12 months, teething typically begins around 6 months - the same age when maternal antibodies begin to wane and babies start getting more infections. This overlap is why teething is often blamed for fevers that are actually caused by illnesses. True teething symptoms include: drooling, gnawing and chewing on objects, mild gum irritation, slight fussiness, and possibly a very slight temperature elevation (but below 100.4 degrees F). Symptoms that are NOT caused by teething include: fever above 100.4 degrees F, diarrhea, rash on the body, congestion, and cough. These indicate illness and should be evaluated. It is generally considered normal when drooling and wanting to chew on things during teething. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if any fever of 100.4 degrees F or above in a baby under 3 months (emergency regardless of suspected cause).
Normal vs. Concerning
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Any fever of 100.4 degrees F or above in a baby under 3 months (emergency regardless of suspected cause)
- Fever above 102 degrees F - this is NOT teething and needs evaluation
- Fever lasting more than 3 days (not caused by teething)
- Fever with other illness symptoms: rash, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, congestion (not teething)
By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
Teething typically begins around 6 months - the same age when maternal antibodies begin to wane and babies start getting more infections. This overlap is why teething is often blamed for fevers that are actually caused by illnesses. True teething symptoms include: drooling, gnawing and chewing on objects, mild gum irritation, slight fussiness, and possibly a very slight temperature elevation (but below 100.4 degrees F). Symptoms that are NOT caused by teething include: fever above 100.4 degrees F, diarrhea, rash on the body, congestion, and cough. These indicate illness and should be evaluated.
1-3 years
Toddlers continue to get new teeth through age 3 (molars and canines), and parents may attribute various symptoms to teething. Evidence-based teething symptoms are limited to: gum discomfort, drooling, irritability, and desire to chew. If your toddler has a fever over 100.4 degrees F during teething, look for other causes. Common illnesses in toddlers (ear infections, viral infections, roseola) frequently coincide with teething simply because children are teething for much of their first 3 years. Attributing a fever to teething can delay diagnosis and treatment of actual illness.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed does teething really cause fever and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you are unsure if symptoms are from teething or illness.
- Mention if your baby has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F and you have been told it is "just teething" - it is worth confirming.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Drooling and wanting to chew on things during teething
- Mild fussiness around the time teeth are erupting
- A very slight temperature elevation below 100.4 degrees F
- Swollen, tender gums where a tooth is about to emerge
- You are unsure if symptoms are from teething or illness
- Your baby has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F and you have been told it is "just teething" - it is worth confirming
- Teething pain seems severe and you want guidance on pain relief
- Any fever of 100.4 degrees F or above in a baby under 3 months (emergency regardless of suspected cause)
- Fever above 102 degrees F - this is NOT teething and needs evaluation
- Fever lasting more than 3 days (not caused by teething)
- Fever with other illness symptoms: rash, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, congestion (not teething)
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice does teething really cause fever — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that drooling and wanting to chew on things during teething — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if any fever of 100.4 degrees F or above in a baby under 3 months (emergency regardless of suspected cause).
Related Conditions
teething pain
Ear Infection vs. Teething - How to Tell the Difference
Ear pulling is one of the most commonly confused symptoms in babies - it can indicate either teething or an ear infection, and telling the difference can be tricky. Teething causes referred pain to the ear area (especially when molars are coming in), leading babies to pull or rub their ears. An ear infection typically follows a cold and is associated with fever, disrupted sleep, and increased fussiness. The key differences: teething ear pulling is usually without fever and is accompanied by drooling and gum swelling, while ear infections typically cause fever, follow a cold, and may cause more intense pain when lying down.
Baby Has a High Fever Over 104 Degrees F
A fever above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) in a baby or toddler can be alarming, but the height of the fever alone does not necessarily indicate a more serious illness. Many common childhood viral infections (like roseola) can cause high fevers. What matters more than the number is how your child looks and behaves. A child with a 104 degree F fever who is still alert, making eye contact, and drinking fluids is less concerning than a child with a 102 degree F fever who is limp and unresponsive. However, fevers above 104 degrees F should always be discussed with your pediatrician.
Fever in a Baby Under 3 Months Old
A fever in a baby under 3 months old (temperature of 100.4 degrees F / 38 degrees C or higher taken rectally) is always a medical emergency. Go to the emergency room immediately, regardless of how well your baby appears. Young babies' immune systems cannot fight infections as effectively as older children, and a fever could indicate a serious bacterial infection (urinary tract infection, bacteremia, or meningitis) that needs urgent treatment. Do NOT wait to see if the fever goes down. Do NOT give fever medication and stay home - go to the ER first.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is does teething really cause fever normal?
When should I call the doctor about does teething really cause fever?
When is does teething really cause fever normal?
What causes does teething really cause fever?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about does teething really cause fever?
Is does teething really cause fever normal at 0-12 months?
Is does teething really cause fever normal at 1-3 years?
Should I go to the ER for does teething really cause fever?
Does does teething really cause fever go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Does Teething Really Cause Fever?.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed does teething really cause fever and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you are unsure if symptoms are from teething or illness.
- Mention if your baby has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F and you have been told it is "just teething" - it is worth confirming.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You are unsure if symptoms are from teething or illness
- Your baby has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F and you have been told it is "just teething" - it is worth confirming
- Teething pain seems severe and you want guidance on pain relief
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Any fever of 100.4 degrees F or above in a baby under 3 months (emergency regardless of suspected cause)
- Fever above 102 degrees F - this is NOT teething and needs evaluation
- Fever lasting more than 3 days (not caused by teething)
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of does teething really cause fever are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if any fever of 100.4 degrees f or above in a baby under 3 months (emergency regardless of suspected cause).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Medical Concerns
Ear Infection vs. Teething - How to Tell the Difference
Ear pulling is one of the most commonly confused symptoms in babies - it can indicate either teething or an ear infection, and telling the difference can be tricky. Teething causes referred pain to the ear area (especially when molars are coming in), leading babies to pull or rub their ears. An ear infection typically follows a cold and is associated with fever, disrupted sleep, and increased fussiness. The key differences: teething ear pulling is usually without fever and is accompanied by drooling and gum swelling, while ear infections typically cause fever, follow a cold, and may cause more intense pain when lying down.
Baby Has a High Fever Over 104 Degrees F
A fever above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) in a baby or toddler can be alarming, but the height of the fever alone does not necessarily indicate a more serious illness. Many common childhood viral infections (like roseola) can cause high fevers. What matters more than the number is how your child looks and behaves. A child with a 104 degree F fever who is still alert, making eye contact, and drinking fluids is less concerning than a child with a 102 degree F fever who is limp and unresponsive. However, fevers above 104 degrees F should always be discussed with your pediatrician.
Fever in a Baby Under 3 Months Old
A fever in a baby under 3 months old (temperature of 100.4 degrees F / 38 degrees C or higher taken rectally) is always a medical emergency. Go to the emergency room immediately, regardless of how well your baby appears. Young babies' immune systems cannot fight infections as effectively as older children, and a fever could indicate a serious bacterial infection (urinary tract infection, bacteremia, or meningitis) that needs urgent treatment. Do NOT wait to see if the fever goes down. Do NOT give fever medication and stay home - go to the ER first.
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