Teething can begin as early as three months and last until your child is 3 years old. Children are born with teeth in their gums. Teething refers to the movement of teeth into the mouth. When the teeth cut through the gums and move into your child's mouth, it can be painful and uncomfortable. It can also provoke other symptoms such as a fever. Though a teething situation is not permanent, you should understand if your child's fever is normal and how to keep his symptoms at bay.
Symptoms
Among other symptoms, a fever may indicate that your child is teething. Other symptoms that may lead you to believe that teething is occurring include fussiness, swollen gums, trouble sleeping, biting, a rash on your baby's face and neck, diarrhea and a cough. All children are different and your infant may not exhibit all of these symptoms.
Norms
The inflammation of your child's gums causes the body to trigger its inflammatory response. Part of this response can be a low-grade fever. However, teething should not cause a fever higher than 101 degrees F, when measured rectally. According to Heidi Murkoff of WhatToExpect.com, contact your child's pediatrician if the fever lasts three days or longer.
Fever Relief
Plan ahead for your child's teething by talking with your pediatrician. You and your pediatrician can determine the safest route to take if your child does produce a fever while teething. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be enough to calm your child's fever and offer some relief from the pain of teething.
Teething Relief
Sometimes all your child needs is a little relief from the pain of teething. You can try offering your child a cold drink or a cold food to suck on. The cool temperature may offer some pain relief. You can also try rubbing your finger on your child's gums; the pressure can offer some relief. In the same manner of pressure relief, offer your child some safe toys to chew on. Finally, a topical pain reliever can numb the site and leave your child feeling better. However, you should always consult your pediatrician before using any medication on your child.
