Teething Fever in Babies | Derya Dental Clinic

Is a Teething Fever Normal?

An important distinction:

37.5–38 °C: May be related to teething — considered normal
Above 38 °C: Cannot be blamed on teething — look for a concurrent infection

💡 The teething period (6–30 months) is also the age at which children pick up a lot of common infections. Automatically putting a fever down to teething can be dangerous.

What Temperature Is Normal in Babies?

Temperature	Status	What to Do
36.5–37.5 °C	Normal	No concern
37.5–38 °C	Mild fever	May be teething — monitor
38–38.5 °C	Moderate fever	Possible infection, call your GP
Above 38.5 °C	High fever	See a doctor without delay

How to Manage a Teething Fever

At Home (37.5–38 °C)

Sponge with lukewarm water: Use a soft cloth on the armpits and groin
Dress lightly: Heavy blankets or clothing push the temperature up
Plenty of fluids: Water, breast milk or formula — prevent dehydration
Chilled teething ring: Eases gum pain
Room temperature: 22–24 °C is ideal

Medication

Paracetamol (3 months+): Age- and weight-appropriate dose (Calpol or Tylol Baby)
Ibuprofen (6 months+): Reduces both fever and pain (Nurofen for Children)
Every 4–6 hours, strictly following the package leaflet
Never give aspirin — risk of Reye's syndrome

When to Call a Doctor

Temperature above 38.5 °C
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Any fever in a baby under 3 months
A rash appears
Baby cries continuously and cannot be soothed
Diarrhoea or vomiting accompany the fever
Baby seems drowsy or unresponsive

Teething vs Illness: Telling Them Apart

Sign	Teething	Illness
Temperature	Mild (37.5–38 °C)	High (above 38 °C)
Drooling	Markedly increased	Normal
Fussiness	Intermittent	Continuous
Gum swelling	Yes	No
Loose stools	Slightly softer	Watery, frequent
Runny nose	Clear, light	Thick, profuse
Appetite loss	Mild	Marked
Rash	None (only drool marks on chin/chest)	Widespread

References

Massignan C, Cardoso M, Porporatti AL, et al. Signs and symptoms of primary tooth eruption: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2016;137(3):e20153501. PubMed
McIntyre GT, McIntyre GM. Teething troubles? Br Dent J. 2002;192(5):251–255. PubMed
Ramos-Jorge J, Pordeus IA, Ramos-Jorge ML, Paiva SM. Prospective longitudinal study of signs and symptoms associated with primary tooth eruption. Pediatrics. 2011;128(3):471–476. PubMed

For advice on your baby's dental health, speak to our paediatric dentist at Maltepe Derya Dental Clinic.

📞 0216 572 05 20 💬 WhatsApp appointment

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.

Common Questions

How long does a teething fever last?

A mild teething-related fever usually lasts 1–3 days and settles once the tooth has broken through the gum. A fever lasting more than 3 days needs review by your GP.

What temperature is normal for a baby?

Normal body temperature is 36.5–37.5 °C. 37.5–38 °C is a mild fever. Anything above 38 °C is a high fever and cannot be blamed on teething.

What helps a teething fever?

Sponging with lukewarm water, dressing lightly, plenty of fluids and, if necessary, an age-appropriate dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup are effective. Always see a doctor if the temperature goes above 38 °C.

Is a fever normal in a 6-month-old?

Six months is when the first teeth usually come through, so 37.5–38 °C can be related to teething. However, a 6-month-old's immune system is still maturing, so a high fever should always be taken seriously.

Does teething cause diarrhoea?

Teething does not directly cause diarrhoea. Swallowing extra saliva can produce slightly looser stools. Watery or bloody stools should be investigated for infection. ---