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Teething Fever: How Long Does It Last and When to Worry

teeth-fever

Harriet ZHANG |

When a baby is cutting a new tooth, parents may notice swollen gums, extra drooling, chewing, fussiness, and disrupted sleep. A baby may also feel warmer than usual, which often leads to the question: Can teething fever happen, and how long should it last?

teeth-fever-digital-temperature-check

The difference is between a slight increase in temperature and a genuine fever. Pediatric advice today suggests that sometimes there is a slight rise in temperature during teething; however, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above should not be attributed solely to teething. If the temperature is truly elevated, it may be a sign of an infection that requires treatment (NHS, 2026).

Table of Contents

Can Teething Really Cause a Fever?

A true fever is not caused by teething. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that studies have not established fever as a normal symptom of teething. Rather, typical teething symptoms are drooling, chewing, tender or sore gums, and slight fussiness.

The NHS also states that teething babies can get a bit hotter than usual, but not more than 38°C (100.4°F).

This is important because babies are often teething at the same time as they are exposed to more viruses and infections. Assuming that a fever is caused by a new tooth could delay medical evaluation when another illness is responsible.

How Long Does Teething Fever Last?

There is no set time for teething fever, as a true fever is not a normal symptom of teething. However, some gum discomfort may be experienced for a few days around the time of tooth eruption.

Stage What Parents Might Notice Common Pattern
Before eruption Drooling, chewing, swollen gums Mild symptoms may start
Tooth breaking Tender or red gum Discomfort may peak
Day of eruption Gum sensitivity Commonly temporary
After eruption Less gum pressure Symptoms gradually improve
Symptoms continuing Fever Consider another cause

The Typical Teething Symptom Window

The signs of teething are very different. Some babies are not very uncomfortable, others are fussier for a few days. HealthyChildren.org notes that when discomfort occurs, it generally passes within a short period rather than continuing indefinitely.

Before the Tooth Breaks Through

The gum above the erupting tooth might appear swollen or tender prior to the eruption. Chewing, drooling and rubbing the mouth are common.

The Day the Tooth Erupts

The pain may be more noticeable for a while as the tooth emerges through the gum. Babies may chew, feed differently or be more active.

After the Tooth Comes In

If the tooth has broken through, irritation will slowly subside. If a baby continues to have high temperatures, diarrhea, vomiting or marked lethargy, this is not necessarily due to teething.

When Symptoms Last Too Long to Be Teething

If a child has a true fever, symptoms that worsen, or illness lasting beyond the expected brief period of teething discomfort, contact the pediatrician.

Teething Symptoms by Tooth Stage

Primary teeth usually appear in a predictable general sequence, although timing varies between children.

Tooth Stage Approximate Timing Common Teething Signs
First front teeth Around 6 months Drooling, chewing, tender gums
Upper/lower incisors Around 6–12 months Gum irritation
First molars Around 12 months More noticeable chewing
Canines Around 18 months Gum tenderness and irritability
Second molars Around 24 months Chewing and gum discomfort

First Front Teeth

The lower central incisors are often among the first teeth to appear, commonly around 6 months, although normal timing varies.

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Upper and Lower Incisors

Babies may keep chewing and drooling as more front teeth come in. The symptoms are usually mild and short-lived.

First Molars

Molars are larger teeth and can put pressure on the gums. Around this time, parents may notice their child chewing more and becoming fussy.

Canines

Canines tend to appear around 18 months. As these pointed teeth move into position, gum tenderness may occur.

Second Molars

Second molars typically emerge at 24 months of age. Children can now communicate discomfort more effectively and may be fussy or experience sleep disturbance.

Teething Temperature vs. True Fever

Mild Temperature Rise During Teething

Teething often causes a baby to feel warmer than usual, but if it is, it should not exceed 38°C (100.4°F).

Why High Fever Is Usually Not From Teething

According to AAP, fever is defined as a temperature of 38°C or above, and is usually a sign of illness or infection, not normal tooth eruption.

Fever Patterns That Suggest Illness

Teething is less concerning than fever with cough, congestion, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness.

Temperature Thresholds Parents Should Know

A fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher taken rectally, in the ear or on the forehead in infants and children. The method of measurement is important because readings are different in different locations.

Is It Teething or an Infection?

Signs That Point to Teething

Drooling, chewing, a little swollen gums, tenderness and mild fussiness are the typical teething symptoms.

Signs That Point to a Cold, Flu, or Ear Infection

According to CDC, if the child is becoming more irritable, has a persistent fever, cough, or severe congestion, ear-related symptoms, or if the child is generally unwell, infection should be considered. Children often have fevers caused by respiratory viruses.

Signs That Point to Stomach Illness or Another Infection

Persistent fever, poor feeding, dehydration, and significant diarrhea are not common symptoms of teething and should be addressed medically.

Red Flags That Require Medical Attention

If your baby has trouble waking up, trouble breathing, looks very sick, gets a rash that looks bad, vomits more than once, is dehydrated, or has a seizure, get medical help right away (NHS, 2024).

How to Measure Your Baby’s Temperature Correctly

Common Errors in Reading Temperature

Follow manufacturer's instructions and use a digital thermometer. Rectal measurements are the most accurate for infants and forehead thermometers can be used as well, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Armpit readings are not as precise and are primarily for screening purposes.

Avoid using the baby's forehead to determine temperature. A baby may feel warm without being a fever.

Write down the temperature, time, how it was measured, feeding, wet diapers, sleep and other symptoms. The pattern may help your pediatrician know if the child is getting better or worse.

Plan for Teething Distress and Fever Concerns

Time (in Hours) Plan
0–6 Monitor temperature
6–24 Encourage fluids and feeding
24–48 Monitor fever and new signs
After 48 Contact the pediatrician if fever continues

0–6 Hours

Measure the temperature and don't assume that it is due to teething. Monitor for normal alertness, feeding and hydration.

teeth-fever-safe-chilled-washcloth-relief.

6–24 Hours

Continue breast milk or formula and provide appropriate fluids for older babies. Reassure the child and check for wet nappies.

24–48 Hours

If there is a true fever, it should be considered a possible illness and not just teething. Look for signs of respiratory, stomach, skin or behavioral changes.

After 48 Hours

If fever persists, gets worse or if there are other concerning symptoms, call the child's pediatrician.

Safe Home Remedies for Teething Discomfort

Gum Massage

Wash hands and massage baby's sore gums with a clean finger. Gentle pressure can provide temporary relief.

Chilled Teething Toys

Give a teething ring or toy that has been refrigerated. Do not freeze it as it can cause damage to the gums if it is very cold.

teeth-fever-call-pediatrician

Cold Washcloths

A clean, damp washcloth that's placed in the refrigerator can provide babies with a safe chewing object.

Extra Comfort, Sleep, and Feeding Support

Provide additional cuddling, provide appropriate chewing, and be flexible with feeding if gums are tender.

What Not to Use for Teething Pain

Don't use amber teething necklaces, gels with benzocaine, homeopathic teething remedies, or frozen items. These products may be a choking or strangulation hazard or a safety hazard.

When to Call a Pediatrician or Seek Emergency Care

Fever in Babies Under 3 Months

If a baby's temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, they should be evaluated immediately. Never assume that the fever is due to teething.

Fever Higher Than Expected for Teething

If the temperature is 38°C or above, it is not a normal teething fever. Talk to your child's health care provider about it.

Fever Lasting More Than 48 Hours

If a child has a fever, this is not necessarily a sign of teething, and a fever that lasts longer than a few days should be addressed, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

Poor Feeding, Dehydration, or Unusual Sleepiness

If your baby is not eating well, has very few wet diapers, does not have any tears when crying, does not have a wet mouth, or is very sleepy, contact a health care professional.

Rash, Breathing Problems, Vomiting or Persistent Crying

Seek urgent medical attention for breathing difficulty, a concerning or non-blanching rash, repeated vomiting, severe or persistent crying, confusion, or difficulty waking the child.

Conclusion

A baby's temperature may rise a bit as a tooth comes in, and they may be fussy, drool and chew on their gums. If the temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or above, however, it should not be attributed as teething fever.

Parents can help determine if their child's teething pain is normal or if they are suffering from a disease that requires medical treatment by measuring the child's temperature, keeping the child hydrated, monitoring symptoms, and paying attention to any red flags.

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