Does teething cause a fever?

Not a true fever. Teething can raise a baby's temperature slightly, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says a temperature higher than 101°F (38.3°C) is probably not from teething. A true fever, defined as 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, points to an illness that should be evaluated, so do not assume it is the teeth. Research finds at most a modest association between fever and tooth eruption, mainly right around the day a tooth breaks through.

At what age do babies start teething?

Most babies start teething around 4 to 7 months, usually with the two front teeth, according to the AAP. The timing varies widely. Some babies get a first tooth earlier, and some have few or no teeth by their first birthday, which is also normal. Late teething on its own is not a cause for concern.

Can teething cause diarrhea, vomiting, or a runny nose?

No. There is no reliable evidence that teething causes diarrhea, vomiting, congestion, a cough, or a body rash. These are signs of an infection or other illness. Drool can irritate the chin and cheeks, but that is different from a body-wide rash. If your baby has these symptoms, have them evaluated rather than blaming teething.

What is the safest way to relieve teething pain?

Counter-pressure and cool, not frozen. Gently massage the gums with a clean finger, offer a firm rubber teething ring, or let your baby chew a clean, cool washcloth. Chill teethers in the refrigerator, not the freezer — frozen teethers get too hard and can injure the gums. For a very uncomfortable baby, ask your pediatrician about the right dose of infant acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for babies 6 months and older.

Are amber teething necklaces or Orajel safe for babies?

No. The FDA warns that teething necklaces and jewelry pose strangulation and choking risks and has reports of infant deaths and injuries, so they should not be used. Benzocaine gels such as Orajel and Baby Orajel should not be used in children under 2, because they can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially fatal blood disorder. The AAP also says homeopathic teething tablets provide no benefit.

When should I call the doctor instead of assuming it is teething?

Call your pediatrician for a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, any fever in a baby under 3 months, diarrhea, vomiting, refusing to feed, congestion or a cough, a body rash, or a baby who seems genuinely unwell or unusually sleepy. A real fever or a sick baby is not just teething and should be evaluated.

Teething · 4–24 mo

Teething: Myths vs. Facts

Creator: ParentFlow
Published: 2026-06-17

Your baby is drooling, fussy, and warm. A relative says it's teething. Before you write off that temperature, here is what teething actually does — and what it does not.

Teething is real, and it can make a baby uncomfortable. But for generations it has been blamed for things it does not cause — high fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, congestion, rashes. That matters because when a sick baby gets labeled "just teething," a real illness can go unchecked. This is the evidence-based version, grounded in the AAP, the FDA, and published research: the genuine signs of teething, when teeth usually arrive, what soothes the gums safely, and the products to keep away from your baby entirely.

6 min read Teething Updated June 2026

Reviewed against current AAP, CDC and federal guidance

The one fact to hold onto

Teething can cause mild gum soreness, heavy drooling, a strong urge to chew, and a slightly raised temperature. It does not cause a true fever, diarrhea, vomiting, a runny nose, a cough, or a body rash. The American Academy of Pediatrics is direct about this: a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C) is probably not from teething. If your baby seems genuinely unwell, treat it as an illness to evaluate, not a tooth coming in.

When teeth actually arrive

Around 4 to 7 months

Most babies start teething in this window, per the AAP.
The two front teeth, upper or lower, usually come in first, followed by the opposite front teeth, then the first molars, then the canines.
Some discomfort and drooling can begin before a tooth is visible.

There is a wide normal range. Starting earlier or later than this window is common.

If no teeth by the first birthday

Many healthy babies have few or no teeth at 12 months.
A first tooth appearing later than the typical window is usually not a cause for concern on its own.
Mention it at a routine checkup if you want reassurance.

Late teething alone does not mean anything is wrong with your baby.

Real signs of teething

Excessive drooling.
Wanting to chew or bite on something firm.
Gums that look swollen and feel tender near the emerging tooth.
Mild irritability or fussiness.
Slightly more wakefulness or disrupted sleep.
A slight rise in temperature — but not a fever over 101°F (38.3°C).
Sometimes a mild rash on the chin or cheeks from constant drool (not a body-wide rash).

Myth vs. fact

The myth	The fact
Teething causes a high fever	Teething may nudge temperature up slightly, but not a true fever. A true fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher and points to illness. The AAP says a temperature higher than 101°F (38.3°C) is probably not from teething.
Teething causes diarrhea	No reliable evidence links teething to diarrhea. Diarrhea suggests a stomach bug or other cause that should be evaluated.
Teething causes vomiting	Vomiting is not a teething symptom. Treat it as a possible illness, not a tooth.
Teething causes a runny nose, congestion, or cough	These are signs of a cold or other infection, not teething.
Teething causes a body rash	Drool can irritate the chin and cheeks, but a widespread or body rash is not from teething and needs a look.
Amber necklaces relieve teething pain	No proven benefit. The FDA warns they pose strangulation and choking risks, and has reports of infant deaths and injuries.
Numbing gels like Orajel are safe for babies	The FDA says benzocaine products should not be used in children under 2 due to a rare but life-threatening blood disorder.
Homeopathic teething tablets help	The AAP says they offer no benefit, and the FDA has warned about some of these products.

Safe ways to soothe sore gums

Counter-pressure

Gently rub or massage the gums with a clean finger.
A clean, cool (not frozen) washcloth your baby can gnaw on works well.
Pressure on the gum often gives more relief than cold alone.

A clean finger is one of the most effective tools you already have.

Cool, not frozen

Offer a teething ring made of firm rubber, not one that is liquid-filled.
Chill teethers in the fridge, not the freezer.
Frozen teethers get too hard and can injure the gums — the AAP advises against them.

Refrigerator-cool is enough. Colder is not better here.

If your baby is truly miserable

Ask your pediatrician about infant acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for babies 6 months and older, and the correct dose for your baby's weight.
Do not use any product you rub on the gums to numb them.
Never tie or clasp anything around your baby's neck or wrist for teething.

Medication is a backup, not a first step. Most teething is managed without it.

Do not call it teething — call your pediatrician

A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher — this is a true fever, not teething.
Any fever in a baby under 3 months — call your pediatrician right away.
Diarrhea, vomiting, or refusing to feed or drink.
A runny nose, cough, congestion, or ear-pulling with fussiness.
A rash on the body (beyond mild drool irritation on the chin).
Listlessness, unusual sleepiness, or a baby who seems genuinely unwell.
Signs you suspect a benzocaine reaction after any gum gel: pale, gray, or blue-tinged skin, lips, or nail beds; fast heart rate; trouble breathing; or unusual tiredness — seek care immediately.

Products to keep away from your baby

Three popular teething products carry warnings from the FDA or AAP. Teething necklaces, bracelets, and jewelry (including amber): the FDA has reports of death and serious injury, including an 18-month-old strangled by an amber necklace during a nap and a 7-month-old who choked on a bead from a wooden teething bracelet — do not put them on your baby for teething or sensory needs. Benzocaine gels (Orajel, Baby Orajel, Anbesol, Hurricaine, and store brands): not for children under 2, because they can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder that lowers the oxygen in the blood and can be fatal. Homeopathic teething tablets and gels: the AAP says they offer no benefit, and the FDA has warned about some products.

Quick answers

Does teething cause a fever?: Not a true fever. Teething can raise a baby's temperature slightly, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says a temperature higher than 101°F (38.3°C) is probably not from teething. A true fever, defined as 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, points to an illness that should be evaluated, so do not assume it is the teeth. Research finds at most a modest association between fever and tooth eruption, mainly right around the day a tooth breaks through.
At what age do babies start teething?: Most babies start teething around 4 to 7 months, usually with the two front teeth, according to the AAP. The timing varies widely. Some babies get a first tooth earlier, and some have few or no teeth by their first birthday, which is also normal. Late teething on its own is not a cause for concern.
Can teething cause diarrhea, vomiting, or a runny nose?: No. There is no reliable evidence that teething causes diarrhea, vomiting, congestion, a cough, or a body rash. These are signs of an infection or other illness. Drool can irritate the chin and cheeks, but that is different from a body-wide rash. If your baby has these symptoms, have them evaluated rather than blaming teething.
What is the safest way to relieve teething pain?: Counter-pressure and cool, not frozen. Gently massage the gums with a clean finger, offer a firm rubber teething ring, or let your baby chew a clean, cool washcloth. Chill teethers in the refrigerator, not the freezer — frozen teethers get too hard and can injure the gums. For a very uncomfortable baby, ask your pediatrician about the right dose of infant acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for babies 6 months and older.
Are amber teething necklaces or Orajel safe for babies?: No. The FDA warns that teething necklaces and jewelry pose strangulation and choking risks and has reports of infant deaths and injuries, so they should not be used. Benzocaine gels such as Orajel and Baby Orajel should not be used in children under 2, because they can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially fatal blood disorder. The AAP also says homeopathic teething tablets provide no benefit.
When should I call the doctor instead of assuming it is teething?: Call your pediatrician for a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, any fever in a baby under 3 months, diarrhea, vomiting, refusing to feed, congestion or a cough, a body rash, or a baby who seems genuinely unwell or unusually sleepy. A real fever or a sick baby is not just teething and should be evaluated.

Sources & further reading

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This guide reflects current AAP, CDC and federal guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.