Teething fever usually does not cause a true fever. When a baby’s teeth begin to erupt, parents may notice sore gums, drooling, irritability, disturbed sleep and a slight rise in body temperature. However, a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher should not automatically be blamed on teething. It may indicate an infection or another illness.
Parents commonly ask: How long does teething fever last? Can teething cause fever for 2 or 3 days? Can teething cause a temperature of 102°F? How can you distinguish teething symptoms from illness?
This guide explains how long teething symptoms last, what temperature is normal, how to comfort a teething baby, and when medical or dental care is needed.
Teething Fever: How Long Does It Last?
Teething discomfort around the eruption of a tooth often lasts for a few days, particularly just before and around the time the tooth appears.
However, a genuine fever is not an established normal symptom of teething.
- Mild discomfort: Often lasts a few days around tooth eruption.
- Sore or swollen gums: May occur for several days as a tooth emerges.
- Drooling and irritability: Can begin before the tooth appears and may continue intermittently.
- Temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher: Should be considered possible fever from another cause, rather than assumed to be teething.
If your baby has a true fever that persists, worsens or occurs with other symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
Can Teething Cause a Fever of 100°F, 101°F or 102°F?
The temperature matters when deciding what to do.
| Temperature | What parents should know |
| Around 99–100°F | May reflect normal variation or a slight temperature rise; consider how the temperature was measured and the baby’s overall condition. |
| 100.4°F (38°C) or higher | Meets the usual definition of fever; do not assume teething is the cause. |
| 101°F (38.3°C) | A true fever that warrants attention to the child’s age and other symptoms. |
| 102°F (38.9°C) or higher | Not explained by ordinary teething; seek medical advice, particularly if the baby is young or unwell. |
Temperature readings vary according to the measurement method. Follow the thermometer manufacturer’s instructions and your healthcare professional’s advice.
Important: A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if the baby appears otherwise well.
Why Do Parents Notice Fever During Teething?
Teething and infections can occur at the same time. Babies also commonly put their hands and objects in their mouths during this stage, increasing their exposure to germs.
Teething may cause local inflammation in the gums, but it should not be used as an explanation for significant fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or marked lethargy.
Possible causes of fever during teething include:
- Viral infections, such as a common cold.
- Ear infections.
- Throat infections.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Other infections that require medical assessment.
The baby’s age, temperature, feeding, activity and associated symptoms are more useful than tooth eruption alone when deciding whether medical care is needed.
Common Teething Symptoms in Babies
Typical teething symptoms include:
- Tender, swollen or red gums.
- Increased drooling.
- Chewing on fingers, toys or other safe objects.
- Mild irritability.
- Temporary disruption of sleep.
- Rubbing the cheeks or ears.
- A visible tooth emerging through the gum.
- Mild discomfort while feeding.
These symptoms may come and go as different teeth erupt. Not every baby experiences all of them.
Symptoms that should not be attributed to teething
Seek medical advice if your baby has:
- A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
- Persistent diarrhoea or repeated vomiting.
- Poor feeding or refusal to drink.
- Fewer wet nappies than usual.
- Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking.
- A widespread rash.
- Persistent or severe crying.
- Breathing difficulty or signs of dehydration.
Teething Fever vs. Illness: How to Tell the Difference
Teething discomfort usually occurs alongside local gum symptoms. An infection may cause fever and additional symptoms that are not typical of teething.
| Sign | More consistent with teething | More concerning for illness |
| Gums | Tender or swollen | May be normal or show other changes |
| Drooling | Common | Can also occur during illness |
| Temperature | Usually normal or only slightly raised | 38°C (100.4°F) or higher |
| Feeding | Mild temporary discomfort | Marked refusal to feed or drink |
| Activity | Generally responsive | Unusually drowsy, weak or difficult to wake |
| Diarrhoea or vomiting | Not typical | May indicate another illness |
| Duration | Symptoms fluctuate around eruption | Persistent or worsening symptoms need assessment |
No single symptom reliably identifies the cause. If you are concerned about your baby’s condition, contact a healthcare professional.
Home Remedies for Teething Discomfort
Safe home care can help soothe sore gums, even though it does not treat a genuine fever.
- Use a clean, cool teething ring. Chill it in the refrigerator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not freeze it, as a frozen object can injure the gums.
- Gently massage the gums. Wash your hands and rub the baby’s gums gently with a clean finger.
- Offer age-appropriate cool foods. If the baby has started solids, offer suitable soft, cool foods while supervising closely to prevent choking.
- Continue breast milk or formula. Maintain normal feeds and offer fluids appropriate for the baby’s age.
- Comfort your baby. Cuddling and gentle soothing may help with irritability and disturbed sleep.
- Monitor temperature and wet nappies. A thermometer is more reliable than feeling the forehead alone. Watch for reduced urine output or other signs of dehydration.
What should parents avoid?
Do not use:
- Amber teething necklaces or other necklaces worn during sleep.
- Frozen teething rings.
- Numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine unless specifically directed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
- Homeopathic teething tablets or unverified teething remedies.
- Honey for babies under 12 months.
- Alcohol, clove oil or other concentrated oils on the gums.
- Aspirin for a child unless specifically prescribed.
If pain relief is needed, ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist about an age- and weight-appropriate medicine. Do not give medication solely to treat a presumed “teething fever” without considering the child’s age and condition.
Emergency Measures: When to Seek Medical Help
Seek urgent medical assessment if:
- Your baby is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
- Your baby has difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, or is difficult to wake.
- Your baby has a seizure.
- Your baby has a stiff neck, a concerning rash that does not fade when pressed, or appears seriously unwell.
- Your baby cannot keep fluids down, has markedly fewer wet nappies, or shows signs of significant dehydration.
- Fever occurs with severe pain, persistent vomiting or rapidly worsening symptoms.
For babies aged 3–6 months, a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher requires prompt medical advice. At any age, seek care sooner if your child appears seriously unwell.
Do not delay medical care while waiting for a tooth to erupt.
Oral Health During Teething
Teething is also the right time to establish good oral hygiene.
- Clean the baby’s gums gently before teeth erupt.
- Once the first tooth appears, brush twice daily with a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.
- Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula or sugary drinks.
- Arrange the first dental visit by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting, whichever comes first.
Oral signs that need attention
Ordinary teething may cause local gum tenderness and swelling. However, pus, significant gum swelling, facial swelling, persistent ulcers, unusual bleeding or a foul smell accompanied by pain should not automatically be attributed to teething.
Who Should You Visit for Teething Fever or Oral Problems?
For fever or general illness: Contact a paediatrician or appropriate medical service. Fever requires medical assessment when indicated; a dentist cannot rule out all causes of fever.
For teething and tooth eruption concerns: A paediatric dentist or general dentist can assess the gums, tooth eruption and oral hygiene.
For unexplained oral lesions: An Oral Physician (Oral Medicine Specialist) can evaluate persistent mouth ulcers, unusual oral lesions, unexplained oral pain or other mucosal changes, with referral when needed.
The Bottom Line: How Long Does Teething Fever Last?
Teething discomfort commonly lasts a few days around tooth eruption, but a true fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher should not be considered a normal consequence of teething.
Use safe gum-soothing measures, keep your baby hydrated, monitor the temperature and watch for changes in feeding, alertness and urine output. Seek medical advice for genuine fever, persistent symptoms or any warning signs—especially in very young babies.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can teething fever last for 5 days? A fever lasting 5 days should not be attributed to teething. Arrange medical assessment to identify the cause.
- Can teething fever come and go? Temperature can fluctuate during an illness, but repeated fever should not automatically be blamed on teething.
- Can teething cause a fever only at night? Teething does not reliably cause fever at night. Check the temperature and consider other causes if the baby feels hot or unwell.
- Can teething cause a runny nose? A runny nose is not a reliable sign of teething and may indicate a respiratory infection or another cause.
- Can teething cause ear pulling? Babies may rub their ears during teething, but ear pulling can also occur with an ear infection. Fever, pain or persistent symptoms warrant assessment.
- Can teething cause a rash? Drool may irritate the skin around the mouth and chin. A widespread rash or rash accompanied by fever needs medical assessment.
- Can teething cause a baby to refuse food? Sore gums may temporarily make feeding uncomfortable. Persistent refusal to feed or drink, particularly with fever or fewer wet nappies, requires medical advice.
- Does fever mean a tooth will erupt soon? No. Fever does not reliably predict when a tooth will appear.
- Can teething cause swollen cheeks? Mild local gum swelling can occur, but significant cheek or facial swelling is not normal teething and needs prompt assessment.
- Should I wake my baby to give fever medicine during teething? Do not give medicine just because teething is suspected. Follow medical advice about the cause of fever, the child’s age and whether medication is necessary.