Why teething doesn't cause a fever
If you're a mum with a teething baby or toddler, you'll get lots of sympathy from fellow mums who've been there. That's because teething causes a huge long list of symptoms - from red cheeks and dribbling to biting EVERYTHING in reach.
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BUT if you've always believed that teething is also causing your baby's fever, latest research says otherwise ...
There's little doubt among health experts that dribbling, red cheeks, biting and fretfulness are symptoms of teething, but latest US research has dispelled the myth that fevers are also a symptom of cutting those milk teeth.
New research that has appeared in the American journal, Pediatrics, confirms that, contrary to common belief, a fever is NOT a symptom of teething.
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Parents who wrongly attribute a high temperature to teething could be missing what's really wrong with their child.
Dr. Paul Casamassimo, director of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Pediatric Oral Health and Research and Policy Center, says a temperature should never be ignored or assumed to be teething-related. He says:
"If a child has a really high fever, or is in significant discomfort, or won’t eat or drink anything for days, that’s a red flag for concern."
The study does acknowledge a link between the following symptoms and teething:
- swollen gums
- drooling
- crankiness
It also acknowledges the following symptoms as being 'associated with teething':
- decreased appetite
- sleeping problems
- diarrhoea
- rash
- vomiting
While the study does recognise that teething can lead to a rise in body temperature, this is not to be confused with a fever or high-grade temperature.
The NHS currently states that:
"In children under five, a fever is considered to be a temperature higher than 37.5C (99.5F)."
For any doubts or health concerns with your child, always see your GP.
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