A variety of unpleasant symptoms in babies are commonly attributed to teething, but according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, high-grade fever should not be one of them. While drooling, crankiness and swollen gums are true symptoms of teething, researchers say that high-grade fevers are possibly a sign of another, unrelated illness that should not be ignored.
Teething symptoms should resolve in three to five days. Paul Casamassimo of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, who was not part of the study, says that parents should be concerned if a child will not eat or drink for days, and has significant discomfort and a high fever.
Cohen Children’s Medical Center’s Minu George says parents often find babies’ symptoms confusing, and determining whether they are normal teething symptoms or illness can be difficult. While a slight temperature increase might be expected with teething, George said that if a baby’s temperatures reaches at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit it is likely a fever.
According to Rosie Roldan, from Nicklaus Children’t Hospital in Miami, other symptoms that should not be associated with teething are diarrhea and sores and blisters around the mouth.
Teething can best be managed by comforting the child and offering such pain relief as a cold rag. While infant pain relievers may be helpful, regular use may cause tooth decay, and acetaminophen can also cause liver damage.