I often get asked, \u201cDoes teething cause a fever?\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
Nope. Teething causes\u2026teeth. It doesn\u2019t even cause much pain \u2013 most babies just sail through teething without a problem!<\/p>\n
Here are some other things parents want to know about teething.<\/p>\n
Many babies get their first tooth around 6 months. Although some babies get teeth earlier, it can take up to 10 months. So don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t see teeth by then. Usually the middle bottom 2 teeth pop out first, followed by the top 2 middle ones.<\/p>\n
When a baby is teething, you\u2019ll notice some swelling in the area. Your baby will drool and chew on things for a long time before the teeth break through their gums.<\/p>\n
As to when kids stop teething, they only finish getting their teeth at about age 3. I used to joke with my best friend that all kinds of goofy baby behavior can be blamed on teething since it goes on so long! Bad night\u2019s sleep? Teething. Refusal to nurse? Teething. Weird crying spell? Teething. But now I know that isn\u2019t really true!<\/p>\n
Some babies do seem fussier or have a harder time sleeping while teething. You can help by:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Please don\u2019t use these potentially dangerous treatments:<\/p>\n Getting teeth doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll need to stop breastfeeding your baby! In fact, breastfeeding can help soothe a fussy, teething baby. But don\u2019t let them get away with biting you! Watch closely for a tightening of their jaw, so before they bite you can pull them off the breast. If they clamp down while breastfeeding, break the seal, take them off the breast, and say, \u201cNo biting!\u201d firmly. Offer a teething ring or washcloth to chew on instead. And have faith that this phase will pass quickly!<\/p>\n In summary, teething causes little real pain or fussiness. Teething doesn\u2019t cause a fever (which is 100.4\u02daF degrees or higher). If your baby has continued fussiness or a fever, contact your doctor for advice. Ignoring these symptoms and attributing them to teething might cause you to overlook a real illness.<\/p>\n It\u2019s fun to see your baby\u2019s new toothy smile! Keep those perfect new teeth healthy by cleaning them from day one. Use a soft baby toothbrush with a tiny amount (the size of a grain of rice) of fluoridated toothpaste to brush every morning and night. Have your baby see a dentist at age one. And take lots of fun pictures of the new toothy grin!<\/p>\n Resources for parents<\/strong> La Leche League International\n
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\nMy Doctor Online
\nTeething<\/a><\/p>\n
\nTeething and Breastfeeding<\/a><\/p>\n