Parenting Mythbusters: What Teething Really Looks Like and Why Fever Isn’t a Symptom

A fever over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit is NOT a sign of teething. That’s one of the most common myths I hear from new parents, and it’s one we really need to clear up. Last week, we talked about that exciting first roll, and how it’s a sign of your baby’s brain and body connecting in a whole new way. Teething is another one of those major milestones that feels like it changes everything overnight. But unlike the clear victory of a roll, teething is often surrounded by a lot of confusion and anxiety. So let's talk about what's really going on when those first teeth start to appear. First, the timeline. The books will tell you the average baby gets their first tooth around six or seven months.

And that's true... for the average baby. But in my practice, I see babies get their first tooth as early as three months, and others who are perfectly healthy and don't get one until after their first birthday. Both are completely normal. So if your friend's baby has two teeth at five months and yours has none, please don't worry. There is a huge range of normal here. Your baby’s teeth are on their own schedule. Now, what does teething actually look like? There are a few classic signs. You’ll probably see a LOT more drool. Your baby might start gnawing and chewing on everything they can get their hands on—their fists, your fingers, their toys. Their gums might look a little swollen or red right where a tooth is about to pop through.

And yes, they might be more irritable or fussy than usual. Some babies also have brief changes to their sleep or feeding patterns for a day or two right as the tooth breaks the surface. These are the real, expected symptoms. They are mild, and they are temporary. Here’s the part that’s most important for you to hear. Teething does not cause serious illness. It does not cause high fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, or widespread body rashes. For decades, parents have blamed all sorts of symptoms on teething, because it’s a long process that happens to overlap with the time when babies are getting their first colds and bugs. It’s an easy scapegoat. But here’s the problem. If we blame a high fever on a tooth… we might miss an ear infection.

If we blame diarrhea on teething… we might overlook a stomach bug that needs attention. Teething creates mild discomfort. It does not make your baby genuinely sick. If your baby has symptoms that seem severe, or a fever over one hundred degrees, that is your signal to call your pediatrician. It's almost certainly something else going on. So what can you actually DO to help your baby through the real, mild discomfort of teething? Here are three simple, evidence-based things that work. First, use cold. Place a wet washcloth, a teething ring, or a pacifier in the refrigerator for a little while. The cold helps numb the gums. Notice I said the REFRIGERATOR, not the freezer. A frozen teether can be too hard and can actually bruise or damage your baby’s delicate gums.

Cool is good; frozen is too much. Second, use pressure. Wash your hands well, and then gently rub your baby’s gums with your finger for a minute or two. That simple counter-pressure can provide a surprising amount of relief. It directly soothes the ache right where it’s happening. And third, protect their skin. All that extra drool can cause a red, bumpy rash on your baby’s chin, neck, and chest. The simplest solution is to keep the area as dry as possible. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away drool throughout the day, and maybe apply a simple barrier cream like petroleum jelly before naps and bedtime. This phase is about comfort, not a cure. It’s a normal developmental process, not a medical problem to be solved.

Knowing the difference between what teething actually causes and what it doesn't is your most powerful tool. It allows you to confidently soothe your baby's minor discomfort, while also knowing exactly when you need to pick up the phone for something more.